“We will Emerge from the Pandemic with the Awareness of Unity” - Hakob Gabrielyan on the EAEU, Armenia, the Assembly and public diplomacy at the EYA Lecture Hall

24/07/2020 19:19

On July 23, a researcher, a Candidate of Political Sciences Hakob Gabrielyan gave a lecture on the “Issues of the Eurasian Integration: Theoretical and Practical Aspects” within the “Lecture Hall” of the Eurasian Youth Assembly.

Young activists of the Eurasian Peoples' Assembly, students and postgraduates of universities of the continent, leaders of public organizations, and media representatives contacted Yerevan.

Today, the idea of ​​Eurasian integration is supported by member states of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and other actors in Europe, the Middle East, Central Asia, the Asia-Pacific region, such as Mongolia, Singapore, Serbia, India, Japan, and China. At the same time, the development of public diplomacy in Eurasia plays a special role in strengthening the neighborliness of the Eurasian countries. This aim can be realized with constant interaction of the media, think tanks, academic institutions and public organizations of the continent. The expert noted that the Eurasian Peoples' Assembly, in a good sense, is public diplomacy.

Referring to the main issues of the integration of the Eurasian countries, the expert emphasized the need to take into account both economic and humanitarian aspects. For example, speaking about the economic benefits of Armenia's accession to the EAEU, it is important to note the historical, cultural and ideological ties between countries and people. According to Hakob Gabrielyan, the EAEU countries should devote a special role to creating a favorable information agenda, which will allow citizens to learn about the privileges that can be provided to them. “Today, a citizen of the Republic of Armenia does not need a passport to come to the Russian Federation. About five years ago it seemed impossible, but today it is real. In this sphere I would like to see a higher level of integration in the relations of Armenia with Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan,” said the expert.

The guest of the EYA Lecture Center connected to the live broadcast from Yerevan, where the situation with the COVID-19 remains quite tense and the state of emergency has been extended until August 12. According to the latest information, the country has reached a plateau in infection rates. Kristina Tatarnikova, co-Chair of the Coordinating Council of the Eurasian Youth Assembly asked Hakob Gabrielyan about the impact of the coronavirus on the integration processes in Eurasia. In his answer, the expert noted that the epidemiological situation enhanced the unification of States: “A group of doctors from the Russian Federation arrived in Armenia. Humanitarian assistance was also provided from Kazakhstan and Belarus. This proves that problems only unite countries and through joint efforts we will be able to overcome the crisis. The dynamics of the integration processes development of the EAEU countries is positive, and we will emerge from the pandemic with the awareness of unity.”

At the end of the live broadcast, the guest wished the young researchers and scientists of Eurasia success in their work: “You should never be afraid of difficulties and obstacles. You should always compare your ability with reality, but don’t set artificial restrictions and barriers. Know that it is your knowledge, initiative and communication skills which are valued the most. Believe in yourself, everything is up to you now!”