RA PRIME MINISTER ATTACHES IMPORTANCE TO ESTABLISHMENT OF CLOSER
COOPERATION WITH BELGIUM WITHIN FRAMEWORK OF ARMENIA-EU ACTIONS PLAN
YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 23, NOYAN TAPAN. Receiving newly appointed
Ambassador of Belgium to Armenia Charles Ghislain on February 23, RA
Prime Minister Andranik Margarian gave assurance that the
Armenian-Belgian relations will continue developing successfully in
the period of new Ambassador’s activity. A. Margarian expressed
satisfaction with high-level bilateral contacts between Armenia and
Belgium over the past years, with activization of mutual visits,
which, in his words, contributes to promotion of political dialogue
between the two countries. RA Prime Minister also expressed
satisfaction in connection with Belgium’s adopting a balanced position
to issues of great importance for Armenia at UN and other
international organizations. A. Margarian especially attached
importance to establishment of closer cooperation with Belgium within
the framework of Armenia-EU Actions Plan, through elaboration and
implementation of certain programs, cooperation bewteen ministries and
departments of the two countries. In this context he emphasized that
the Armenian side expects Belgium’s participation in programs of
poverty reduction and rural communities’ development in Armenia, which
is among the priorities outlined in the Actions Plan. Mentioniong that
the high indices of trade and economic relations between the two
countries are mainly provided thanks to trade of precious stones being
influenced by fluctuations of their prices on the international
market, A. Margarian emphasized the necessity to make these relations
more varied, to use the considerable potential in the sphere of high
technologies, agriculture, urban development, programming,
training-scientific and other spheres. As Noyan Tapan was informed
from RA government Information and Public Relations Department, during
the meeting the interlocutors touched upon steps taken and to be taken
in the direction of process of Armenia’s integration to Europe,
strengthening of democracy, establishment of civil society. The
Ambassador of Belgium assured that his country is ready to assist with
the process of development and reforms in Armenia.