GERMANY CAN HAVE SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTION IN IMPLEMENTATION OF EU-ARMENIA ACTIONS PLAN, RA PRIME MINISTER SAYS

Noyan Tapan
Feb 21 2007

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 21, NOYAN TAPAN. Receiving on February 24
Frank-Walter Steinmeier, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Federal
Republic of Germany, RA Prime Minister Andranik Margarian expressed
confidence that the German Foreign Minister’s visit will become
some stimulus for future development of both bilateral cooperation
and cooperation of Armenia with Germany within the framework of the
European Union New Neighbourhood Policy. In the RA Prime Minister’s
words, Germany, as the present presiding country at the EU as well
as one of the greatest donors of the European Union, can have a
significant contribution in the affair of implementation of the
EU-Armenia Actions Plan affirmed in November, 2006. A.Margarian welcame
the tendency of increase of the EU role, envisaged by the European
Neighbourhood Policy, in neighboring eastern, post-Soviet countries,
especially in the sphere of deepening economic and commercial ties.

A.Margarian mentioned with satisfaction the fact of activization
of the trade and economic relations between Armenia and Germany
during the recent years, particularly, in the spheres of information
technologies, mining industry, etc. He emphasized that after the
U.S., Germany is at present the second big donor country in Armenia
where more than six dozens of enterprises with participation of
the German capital are registered. In the affair of stimulation of
the economic cooperation, the RA Prime Minister appreciated work
of the Armenian-German intergovernmental commission. Considering
energetics, community development, financial-banking and other spheres
also long-lasting for deepening the mutual cooperation, A.Margarian
assured that Armenia is ready from now on as well to continue efforts
in the direction of organizing business forums, widening cooperation
between corresponding structures functioning in the two countries in
the commercial-economic sphere, strengthening confidence among the
German businessmen towards investment environment of Armenia.

Frank-Walter Steinmeier mentioned in his turn that relations between
Armenia and Germany firmly develop at present. He stated that Germany
has assisted Armenia since its independece and will continue assisting
from now on as well.

At the same time, in the FRG Foreign Minister’s words, the two sides’
potential especially in the sphere of economic cooperation is not
exhausted.

Mentioning that there are spheres in the economy where it is possible
to estbalish and develop mutually beneficial cooperation, he assured
that the German side will also make every effort to closer acquaint
German investers with the investment field and atmosphere of Armenia.

As Noyan Tapan was informed by the RA Government’s Information
and Public Relations Department, the sides discussed problems of
regional cooperation as well during the meeting. A.Margarian and
Frank-Walter Steinmeier were of the same opinion in the issue that
stimulation of regional mutual cooperation will considerably assist
development of the processes of democratization, economic integration
proceeding in separate countries, establishment of regional security
and stability. Relations of Armenia with the neighboring countries,
including Iran and Turkey, the Karabakh conflict settlement were
also touched upon. The Foreign Minister of Germany expressed a hope
that Armenia and Azerbaijan will be able to display necessary will
to bring the negotiations addressed to peaceful settlement of the
conflict to an effective refuge, mentioning that in his opinion,
that political will exists in Armenia.