Lragir, Armenia
Feb 14 2008

MINISTER OSKANIAN PARTICIPATES IN EU – BSEC MINISTERS’ JOINT MEETING

Armenia’s Foreign Minister Vartan Oskanian is in Kiev to participate
in a Special Session of the EU and Black Sea Economic Cooperation
Foreign Ministers Meeting.

During the meeting, where Ukraine’s President Viktor Yuschenko made
the opening remarks, the ministers discussed deeper cooperation
between the countries of the two regions in the areas of energy,
ecology and transport. Minister Oskanian’s statement at that meeting
focused on the challenges and opportunities of such collaboration.

The Ministers passed a joint declaration at the conclusion of the
session. During the conference, Minister Oskanian signed a Memorandum
of Understanding on the development of waterways in the Black Sea
region.

Within the margins of the conference, Minister Oskanian held several
bilateral meetings. He met with Georgia’s newly-appointed Foreign
Minister David Bakradze and discussed issues of concern to the two
countries, noting the two sides’ commitment to deepen relations and
to support mutually beneficial projects in all areas. Acknowledging
the two countries’ differing approaches to conflict settlement, they
reaffirmed that they would continue to be circumspect in their
policies, intending to buttress as much as possible Armenia-Georgia
relations which is at the basis of South Caucasus stability. Minister
Oskanian highlighted that it is important for both countries to be
engaged in regional transport programs. The two colleagues also spoke
about current international issues including Kosovo’s expected
declaration of independence and its consequences. Also, the Georgian
Minister presented prospects for Georgian-Russian relations.

Minister Oskanian also met with Serbia’s Foreign Minister Vuk
Jeremic. The two highlighted the friendly relations between the two
peoples. They discussed the Kosovo issue and related developments,
the approaches of interested parties on the settlement of existing
conflicts. Minister Oskanian spoke about domestic Armenian issues,
including the upcoming presidential elections.

Minister Oskanian’s meeting with Ukraine’s new Foreign Minister,
Vladimir Ogrizko is expected on February 15.