MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF THE REPUBLIC OF ARMENIA
PRESS AND INFORMATION DEPARTMENT
375010 Telephone: +3741. 544041 ext 202
Fax: +3741. .562543
Email: press@mfa.am:

PRESS RELEASE

5 October 2004

Minister Oskanian Meets Finland’s Erkki Tuomioja

On 5 October, Foreign Minister Oskanian received Finland’s Foreign Minister
Erkki Tuomioja, who is on a regional visit to countries of the South
Caucasus.

The parties exchanged views on bilateral relations and international issues
of common interest. They stressed the importance of integration of South
Caucasus countries into the EU New Neighborhood program. Concerning this
issue, Minister Oskanian briefed Finland’s Foreign Minister on a recent
EU-Armenia cooperation council meeting in Brussels and agreements reached in
its framework.

In the context of European integration, the parties discussed the progress
and drawbacks of democratic reform in Armenia.

The parties also reflected on regional issues. Armenia’s Foreign Minister
offered a briefing on the current status of Nagorno Karabagh conflict
settlement and Armenia’s position on the issue.

The parties also discussed prospects of normalizing Armenia – Turkey
relations and stressed the importance of EU’s positive contribution to this
end.

At the end of the meeting, Minister Oskanian expressed his deep appreciation
for Minister Tuomioja’s visit both in the context of European dimension of
Armenia’s foreign policy and in terms of development of bilateral political
and economic relations.

After the meeting, Armenia’s and Finland’s Foreign Ministers signed an
Agreement between the Governments of the two countries on the Promotion and
Protection of Investments.

Prior to the signing ceremony, Finland’s Foreign Minister visited
Tzitzernakaberd Genocide memorial.