Wednesday, 12 November 2008
RA Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan received a delegation headed by Chairman of the House of Representatives of the Republic of Cyprus Marios Karoyan.
Greeting the guests the Prime Minister mentioned that Armenia and Cyprus enjoy warm and friendly relationship which must be expanded and strengthened. Tigran Sargsyan expressed hope that this visit of the delegation headed by Chairman of the House of Representatives of the Republic of Cyprus will foster diversified ties between the two countries.
In stressing that this is his first visit to Armenia, Marios Karoyan said to be convinced that in order to meet the emerging challenges, bilateral relations can be developed at both intergovernmental and inter-parliamentary levels, as well as within the framework of international organizations.
Mr. Karoyan emphasized the role of the Armenian community of Cyprus in the furtherance of bilateral ties by pointing out its great potential and instrumentality in almost all the spheres of public life in the Republic of Cyprus.
The parties also referred to the current status of EU-Armenia relations. Marios Karoyan stated that in its capacity of EU-member country, Cyprus is prepared to back and promote Armenia's strategic interests under the European Neighborhood Policy of the European Union through joint discussions and presentation of corresponding programs.
Pleased with the agreement and mutual understanding reached over all key issues, Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan underscored the need for boosting economic exchanges which were said to fall short of the ongoing political cooperation. The two sides expressed conviction that this objective could be achieved through closer contacts between the respective business circles, especially as Mr. Karopyan-led delegation comprised several entrepreneurs from Cyprus.
Next, Tigran Sargsyan wanted to know the economic implications of the global financial turmoil on Cyprus. Marios Karoyan said that so far the crisis has not affected his country directly because the banking system is sufficiently robust in Cyprus. Nevertheless, prudential actions are underway especially in the spheres of tourism and construction which are crucial to the national economy. Tigran Sargsyan in turn briefed the guest on his government's preventive actions, the programs developed. The Prime Minister provided an outline of Armenia economic status and development prospects.
During the meeting, the parties also spoke about the outstanding problems and the latest developments in Turkey-Cyprus and Armenia-Turkey relations.
