RELATIONS BETWEEN ARMENIA AND GREECE ARE GOOD, AMBASSADOR SAYS
YEREVAN, JANUARY 31, ARMENPRESS: In an interview to Armenpress
Greece’s ambassador to Armenia, Antonios Vlavianos, said relations
between the two nations are very friendly and are on a very high
level. He said his government wants Armenian president to pay an
official visit to Greece after next president of Greece is elected by
its parliament in March. He said Karolos Papulias is likely to be
elected as his candidacy was agreed on by two major political forces
of the country. “We shall work to organize Armenian president’s visit
to Athens after Papulias is elected,” he said.
Referring to economic cooperation between the two countries, he
stressed that Greece is the second largest investor in Armenia after
the Russian Federation. “Greece is eager to be actively involved in
all sectors of the Armenian economy. We have already successful
examples of such participation,” the ambassador said, mentioning the
presence of Greek Emporiki Bank, Coca-Cola Bottlers, Karelia cigarette
manufacturing company in Armenia.
The biggest obstacle to stepping up economic contacts with Armenia,
according to the ambassador, are the closed borders with Turkey. This,
he said, makes Greek companies to seek cooperation with the Balkan
nations. “We hopethat after borders are opened Greece will have a much
more stronger economic presence in Armenia. Goods from and to Armenia
have to go a long way to reach Greece and other European countries,
affecting trade turnover and prices,” he said. According to
Mr. Vlavianos, Turkey’s desire to join the European Union would
promote the opening of borders.
Mentioning tourism as another area of effective cooperation, the
ambassador said his government wants to open a tourism academy in
Armenia and waist for the Armenian government to allocate premises.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress