SWITZERLAND GOING TO OPEN DIPLOMATIC REPRESENTATION IN ARMENIA

armradio.am
27.06.2008 15:29

Sweden is going to open a diplomatic representation in Armenia, Federal
Councilor of the Swiss Confederation, Head of the Federal Department of
Foreign Affairs, Mrs. Micheline Calmy-Rey declared during today’s joint
press conference with RA Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian. She noted
that the first step towards founding of the diplomatic representations
will be the opening of the diplomatic office in Yerevan.

According to Micheline Calmy-Rey, Armenia is important for Switzerland
for its geographical position, since it is situated at the crossroads
of energy resources. Besides, Armenia has a large Diaspora, including
in Switzerland.

The foreign Minister of Sweden noted that the two countries are
successfully cooperating within international organizations like
the OSCE, the Council of Europe and the UN. Armenia and Switzerland
also have a good contractual-legal basis for bilateral cooperation,
particularly agreements on economic cooperation and excluding double
taxation, the Swiss Development Agency operates in Armenia, which
addresses issue sof agricultural and humanitarian aid.

The Foreign Minister of Switzerland informed also that her country has
serious programs of cooperation with Armenia in the economic sphere.

For his part, Edward Nalbandian declared that Armenia attaches
importance to the reinforcement of multifaceted relations with
Switzerland, and the relations between the two countries continue
developing rather dynamically.

"Ever since independence Switzerland has been rendering its friendly
support to Armenia in the development, reforms and humanitarian
fields," RA Foreign Minister said. He noted also that the positions
of the two countries overlap on a number of international affairs.