President of the Artsakh Republic Bako Sahakyan addresses representatives of the Chatham House in London (Source: Public Radio of Armenia)

LONDON—President of the Artsakh Republic Bako Sahakyan arrived in London on July 6 for a working visit to the United Kingdom, meeting with representatives of the Chatham House, a non-profit, non-governmental organization based in London whose mission is to analyze and promote the understanding of international issues and current affairs, as well as with Armenian community leaders.

Sahakyan visited the Royal Institute of International Affairs Chatham House in London on Wednesday, where he delivered a speech to foreign diplomats, political scientists, and analysts, the Central Information Department of the Office of the Artsakh Republic President reported.

During his meeting at the Chatham House, Sahakyan touched on state building, domestic and foreign policy of Artsakh, settlement of the conflict with Azerbaijan, and regional developments.

In his speech Sahakyan noted that Chatham House’s mission to help build a sustainably secure, prosperous, and just world was very much congenial to the Artsakh Republic, adding that those ideals were also part and parcel of Artsakh’s world vision.

According to Sahakyan, such meetings are useful both for Artsakh and for different states and international organizations.

President Sahakyan also met with representatives of the British Armenian community while in London, including leaders from the Hnchakyan Social-Democratic Party, the Armenian Revolutionary Federation Party, and the Ramkavar Azatakan Party branches in the United Kingdom.

Various issues related to the state building process in Artsakh, its domestic and foreign policy, and Artsakh-Diaspora cooperation were discussed during the meetings.

Sahakyan stressed the important role the traditional parties play in supporting Artsakh and in strengthening ties between Armenia and the Diaspora.

The President met with members of the Armenian Community Council on Tuesday and discussed issues related to the development of ties between the local Armenian community in London and Artsakh.

Sahakyan also visited the St. Yeghiche Armenian Church, where he provided information about life in Artsakh, its accomplishments, and existing issues it faces. He also responded to questions.

According to Sahakyan, the Armenian community of Great Britain plays an active role in the life of the United Kingdom, the Armenian Diaspora and the community’s historic homeland.

Sahakyan expressed his gratitude to the community’s representatives for their patriotism and devotion to their heritage.

Ambassador of the Republic of Armenia to the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland Armen Sargsyan, and Primate of the British Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church Bishop Hovakim Manukian attended the meetings, as did other community leaders.