Meeting the Armenians

Sofia Echo, Bulgaria
Aug 1 2005

PRESIDENT Georgi Purvanov had a working meeting with his Armenian
counterpart Robert Kocharyan, the President’s press secretariat said.

The “no neckties” meeting took place during Kocharyan’s informal
visit to Bulgaria and was held in the Evksinograd Residence.

The two presidents expressed satisfaction with political dialogue
between their countries over the past years.

“The European and Euro-Atlantic orientation of Bulgaria and Armenia has
turned into an important pillar of bilateral relations,” Purvanov said.

He and Kocharyan exchanged views about opportunities to activate
trade and economic relations, which both felt had not reached the
level of their political dialogue. One of the reasons for the lack
of economic relations, according to the presidents was the lack of a
through air service between the Bulgarian and Armenian capitals. They
said they were ready to encourage their respective executive branches
to resolve the issue.

Purvanov and Kocharyan discussed the two countries’ relations in
culture, education and science. The Bulgarian head of state underscored
the need to open cultural and information centres in Sofia and Yerevan
on a reciprocal basis.