ARMENIAN PRESIDENT AND BELGIAN PRIME MINISTER UNDERSCORE BOOSTING OF ARMENIAN-BELGIAN RELATIONS

ARMENPRESS
Nov 6, 2008

BRUSSELS, NOVEMBER 6, ARMENPRESS: Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan met
today with Belgian Prime Minister Yves Leterme. In a briefing followed
after the meeting the Armenian president said that during the meeting
they discussed a wide-range of issues presenting mutual interest. Serzh
Sargsyan said that Belgium is a very important country for Armenia
and one of the most important trade partners within the frameworks
of EU. For a small country like Armenia trade turnover exceeding 250
million USD, the majority part of which falls on diamond processing,
is essential. Armenian president and Belgian prime minister agreed
to expand this direction and also expand partnership in other spheres
as well.

According to the president, Armenia wishes to be closer to the EU
and in this respect bilateral relations with European countries are
very important. Serzh Sargsyan said that the Belgian prime minister
expressed readiness to support reforms in Armenia and it is expected
that in near future agreements on cooperation in justice sphere will
be signed.

The president said Armenia wants to facilitate contact with the
European countries and in this respect the existence of relevant
documents which will facilitate visa regime is very important. The
sides came to a general conclusion that it is necessary to expand
Armenian-Belgian cooperation. During the meeting they also spoke
of regional issues. With the request of the Belgian prime minister,
Serzh Sargsyan presented Armenia’s position over Karabakh conflict
regulation issue.

Armenian president invited the Belgian prime minister to visit Armenia
which was accepted with gratitude.

Yves Leterme, on his part said he is glad for receiving Armenian
president, at the same time underscoring Armenian-Belgian relations
as well as the role of the Belgian Armenian community in boosting
bilateral relations.

According to him, they referred to a number of very important issues,
particularly cooperation in trade, economic spheres. The Belgian prime
minister said that the tendency of boosting of ties has been registered
by the establishment of Belgian-Armenian Trade Chamber. He said that
they are aware about the economic growth in Armenia and the Belgian
side is also planning to participate in that process.