RA FOREIGN MINISTER EMPHASIZES NECESSITY OF STRENGTHENING ARMENIAN-SWISS RELATIONS

Noyan Tapan
Armenians Today
Jun 12 2006

YEREVAN, JUNE 12, NOYAN TAPAN – ARMENIANS TODAY. There is a large-scale
and active dialogue between Armenia and Switzerland. Armenian Foreign
Minister Vartan Oskanian declared this on June 12, receiving the
delegation led by Head of Swiss Foreign Affairs Federal Department
(Minister) Micheline Calmy-Rey.

RA Foreign Minister touched upon the issue of strengthening the
bilateral relations for even more, especially in the economic,
cultural, humanitarian spheres. He expressed satisfaction with
the invitation of participation of the Armenian businessmen to the
Swiss Invest Forum that opened on June 12 in Zurich and expressed
confidence that it will be efficient. The interlocutors also touched
upon deepening of cooperation within the framework of international
organizations, especially emphasizing Switzerland’s new role in UN
as its full member and a newly-elected member of UN Human Rights
Council. Minister Oskanian emphasized Switzerland’s assistance to the
process of development and reforms in RA, in particular, mentioning
the involvement of the Swiss Development and Cooperation Agency in some
programs (Tsakhkadzor Development Program) and expressed the hope that
the Swiss side will show an interest in the process of RA initiative
aimed at development of Armenian rural areas. The readiness of the
Swiss side to continue to initiate and implement various programs in
Armenia was mentioned, for which the Swiss government has allocated 4
mln Swiss francs this year. Speaking about activization of bilateral
economic relations, Mrs Micheline Calmy-Rey expressed confidence
that the agreement “On Avoiding Double Taxation” signed today between
Armenia and Switzerland will promote contacts among the two countries’
businessmen. Minister Oskanian briefly presented the current stages of
Nagorno Karabakh settlement, Armenian-Turkish relations, as well as the
fate of the khachkars (cross-stones) of Nor Jugha and the application
of Armenia to the international community in connection with this
issue, in particular, the official applications to the respective
sub-structures of CE, OSCE and UNESCO international organizations. As
Noyan Tapan was informed from RA Foreign Ministry Press and Information
Department, after the meeting the signing ceremony of the agreement
“On Avoiding Double Taxation” between RA and Switzerland took place,
which was followed by a joint press conference.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress