National Assembly of RA, Armenia
Dec 7 2007

Ambassador of Ireland in the National Assembly

Mr. Tigran Torosyan, President of the National Assembly of the
Republic of Armenia received Mr. Geoffrey Keating, the Ambassador of
the Republic of Ireland to Armenia.

Congratulating on the occasion of the appointment the President of
the National Assembly expressed confidence that the Ambassador’s
activity should promote the development of friendship and cooperation
of the two countries. Though Armenia and Ireland are geographically
far from each other, it cannot be an obstacle when modern technology
is present. The President of the National Assembly touched upon the
similarities of the two countries, noting the historical developments
and the influence of the big Diaspora. Mr. President informed the
Ambassador that a parliamentary friendship group with the parliament
of Ireland had already been set up in the National Assembly, which
aims to develop the development of the inter-parliamentary relations.
Mentioning the economic development of the two countries during the
last years, the President of the National Assembly pointed out the
possibility of the development and realization of the concrete
programs since 2008, noting that the cooperation may be carried out
within the framework of the EU member countries and the New
Neighbourhood Programme. High technologies and the exchange of
experience in the sphere of science and education were considered as
cooperation directions.

Mr. Geoffrey Keating, the Ambassador of Ireland to Armenia, also
mentioning the historical-cultural and present parallels between the
two countries and nations, highlighted their development and assured
that will do utmost to promote the development of inter-state and
inter-parliamentary ties. The Ambassador also considered necessary
the mutual visits and meetings.

At the Ambassador’s request the President of the National Assembly
also touched upon the electoral activities, detailing their
legislative parts, it was noted that the National Assembly had done
an important work actively cooperating with the Venice Commission and
OSCE/ODIHR, complying the legislative field with the constitutional
reforms. The amendments of the Electoral Code were highlighted in
that framework, which being carried out after the May elections aim
to promote the creation of the perfect legislative bases as far as it
is possible also to hold the upcoming presidential elections in
compliance with the democratic standards and to be worth of the high
assessment of the international structures, which enables to assure
that a good electoral tradition is fixed in Armenia.

Other issues of mutual interest were debated during the meeting.