CZECH SENATE CHAIRMAN TO PAY OFFICIAL VISIT TO ARMENIA

ARMENPRESS
June 18, 2008

YEREVAN, JUNE 18, ARMENPRESS: Parliament Speaker Tigran Torosian
received today the Czech ambassador to Armenia Ivan Estrabi. Tigran
Torosian was quoted by the public relations department of the National
Assembly as saying that the experience of the Czech Republic, which
is an EU member, is interesting and important to Armenia in view of
the fact that European integration was declared by its government as
a foreign policy priority.

The ambassador who has arrived in Armenia for the first time,
shared his first impressions of the country saying that he is already
feeling the need for frequent visits to Armenia and traveling across
its regions.

He spoke of his country’s interest in the South Caucasus in general
and in Armenia, in particular, saying that in 2009 his country will
assume for the first time the chairmanship in the EU and is getting
ready for that honorable but difficult mission. He said the Czech
Republic will endorse the initiative of Sweden and Poland to boost
relations with the South Caucasus.

He said also the Czech Republic is ready to help promote South Caucasus
development and ensuring its security. He also spoke about scientific
and economic ties between Armenia and his country saying they are
lagging behind high level political contacts.

In this sense he emphasized the opening of the Czech embassy in
Armenia, saying it is being impeded by financial problems.

During the meeting the two men also referred to the upcoming visit
to Armenia by Czech Senate chairman Prsemil Sobodka, who will arrive
here with a big group of businessmen, who want to learn Armenia’s
investment opportunities on the ground.