Entrepreneurs and philanthropists Ruben Vardanyan and Noubar Afeyan issued a special statement today.

According to Mediamax, the entrepreneurs congratulated Nikol Pashinyan on his election to the position of Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia, which “demonstrates the sense of urgency and determination of the Armenian people throughout the process that culminated with this election.”

“Today, the young Republic of Armenia has new leadership, entrusted with the mandate of its citizens to build a healthy and prosperous country, rich with humanitarian values, and committed to justice, freedom and equal opportunity for all.

In only two years we will reach 2020. And although the goals of an idealized Armenia cannot be reached in just two years, the research and resources that already exist and that are necessary for the planning process can be utilized to accelerate progress.  The sectors we researched and planned for in 2003 -- Education, Agriculture, Health, Tourism, IT, Finance -- remain critical for Armenia’s development.  In an evolving environment of rule of law and equal opportunity, these sectors are destined to become the avenues for greater Diaspora and international engagement and the productive vectors of Armenia’s and Artsakh’s growth and strength,” the statement reads.

You can read the full statement by Ruben Vardanyan and Noubar Afeyan here.