ARMENIA AND SWITZERLAND SIGN AGREEMENTS

Tert
Nov 11 2009
Armenia

On November 10, Armenian Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian left
Budapest for Switzerland for a short-term visit.

Upon his arrival in Bern, Nalbandian met Head of Swiss Federal
Department of Foreign Affairs Micheline Calmy-Rey.

Placing importance on the effective cooperation established between
their respective ministries, Nalbandian and Calmy-Rey arranged to
hold regular consultations between the two foreign ministries and also
discussed the possibility of broadening cooperation within the context
of international organizations. On the topic of Switzerland’s upcoming
EU chairmanship, the ministers exchanged ideas on the organization’s
agenda issues as well as issues related to its activities.

The parties agreed to take measures to promote trade-economic
relations, placing importance on the initiatives of businesses in
that sector.

Referring to the process of establishing Armenia-Turkey relations,
Nalbandian thanked Calmy-Rey for Switzerland’s mediation efforts.

According to the Armenian foreign minister, Switzerland undertook
a mission that required steadfastness and restraint, imagination,
caution and patience at the same time and the mediating state fulfilled
its mission with honour.

Nalbandian and Calmy-Rey referred to issues and developments related
to the South Caucasus region.

During the visit, Nalbandian and Calmy-Rey signed an Agreement on
Regular Air Communication between the Government of the Republic
of Armenia and the Swiss Federal Council, as well as an Agreement
on Cancelling the Entrance Permit Requirement for People Having
Diplomatic Passports between the Government of the Republic of Armenia
and the Swiss Federal Council, as announced by the Republic of Armenia
Foreign Ministry.