SWITZERLAND READY TO ASSIST WITH REFORMS IN ARMENIA

YEREVAN, JUNE 28, NOYAN TAPAN. The relations between Armenia and
Switzerland are developing quite dynamically, a substantial and
comprehensive agenda has been formed and a stable system of dialog
created, to which the mutual visits at various levels in recent years
have greatly contributed, the Armenian president Serge Sargsian stated
when receiving the delegation headed by the Swiss foreign minister
Micheline Calmy-Rey on June 27. He noted with satisfaction that
Switzerland has been traditionally active in providing the technical
and financial assistance for Armenia’s development and reforms.

In the words of M. Calmy-Rey, her country has always been on Armenia’s
side and is ready to assist with the implementation of reforms in
various spheres. She considered the legal and contractual basis between
the two countries as a good foundation for using the existing popential
to the maximum. She underlined the active participation of the Swiss
side in the project on development of Armenian rural areas. Noting that
an office of the Swiss Development Agency functions in Yerevan, she
announced that a decision was made to send a diplomatic representative
to Armenia.

The sides were unanimous in the opinion that being small countries,
Armenia and Switzerland should cooperate more intensively. The Swiss
foreign minister attached special importance to cooperation within the
framework of the Council of Europe.

The interlocutors discussed economic cooperation as well. It was
mentioned that although the trade links are rapidly growing, they are
not at a satisfactory level yet.

Considering economic development and poverty reduction as priorities,
S. Sargsian said that Armenia anticipates support of friendly and
partner states in solution of these problems.

According to the RA president’s press service, S. Sargsian also spoke
about the political and economic reforms being implemented in Armenia,
regional problems, Armenian-Turkish relations and the process of
settlement of the Karabakh problem.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress