Armenian National Committee of Canada
130 Albert St., Suite 1007
Ottawa, ON
KIP 5G4
Tel. (613) 235-2622 Fax (613) 238-2622
E-mail:[email protected]
Fo r Immediate Release
October 17, 2006
Foreign Affairs Minister of the Republic of Armenia Visits Canada
Ottawa-Vartan Oskanian, Foreign Affairs Minister of the Republic of
Armenia, will make an official visit to Ottawa on October 18 and meet with
Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Hon. Peter MacKay to discuss
Canada-Armenia bilateral relations.
To honour His Excellency Vartan Oskanian, Gary Goodyear, (MP – Cambridge)
and Chairman of Canada-Armenia Parliamentary Friendship Group, in
cooperation with the Embassy of the Republic of Armenia in Ottawa, and the
Armenian National Committee of Canada (ANCC), will host a luncheon/meeting
for the House of Commons and Senate of Canada members.
More than 75 joint economic ventures already exist between the two
countries. Many Canadian companies now operate in Armenia. Recently, Dundee
Precious Metals Inc. acquired 80% of an Armenian mining company for US$22
million.
The 125-year-old Canadian Armenian Community is a vibrant and growing
community with significant presence in all major cities across Canada. Over
2,500 Canadians visit Armenia a year-on business or for pleasure. This
number is expected to rise sharply in the next few years.
Participating in peace-keeping activities are among the priorities of the
Republic of Armenia which presently is involved in peace-keeping missions
in Kosovo and in Iraq. The government of Armenia is also anxious to learn
from the Canadian experience in these fields.
According to international organizations, Armenia is one of the most
progressive countries of the former Soviet Union in introducing, economic
liberalization, political freedom, freedom of speech and of press freedom.
Enhancement of relations between Canada and Armenia will benefit both
countries.
His Excellency Vartan Oskanian itinerary:
October 17, 2006 Arrival in Ottawa
October 18, 12:00 -2:00 pm: Luncheon/meeting, Room 601 of the Parliamentary
Restaurant, Centre Block.
October 18, 5:00 pm Meeting the Hon. Peter MacKay
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For media inquiries please contact:
Kelly Williams, Gary Goodyear- MP Office. Tel. (613) 996-1307
Aris Babikian, ANCC Office. Tel. (613) 235-2622
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress
