The Government of the Republic of Armenia

Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan welcomed today Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic Miroslav Laichak.

Greeting the guest, the Prime Minister noted with satisfaction that the current level of bilateral cooperation provides favorable preconditions for its deepening.

Thanking Tigran Sargsyan for reception, the Slovak Foreign Minister said to be accompanied by numerous businessmen and investors who will study investment opportunities in Armenia.

The parties touched upon the possibilities for expanding cooperation within the framework of the Eastern Partnership Program of the European Union. Tigran Sargsyan appreciated Slovakia’s active participation in this program. The parties emphasized that the Slovak experience could be useful to Armenia. Mr. Laichak advised that Slovakia will take over the presidency of the Vyshegrad Quartet this year and is planning to organize a meeting between VQ and Eastern Partnership member-States.

The interlocutors stressed the need for making a full-fledge use of the potential available in the economic field. In this context, high opinion was expressed of the first Armenian-Slovakian business forum underway in Yerevan. Both sides said to be hopeful that it will promote direct ties between business circles and stimulate mutual investments. The Armenian Development Agency was said to have been directed to develop a specific investment-related project.

Energy, chemical industry, agriculture and environmental protection were mentioned as prospective areas of cooperation.

The parties emphasized the importance of strengthening and improving the legal base applicable between Armenia and Slovakia.

The Slovak Foreign Minister reiterated the invitation for the Prime Minister of Armenia to visit Slovakia.

At the request of Mr. Laichak, Tigran Sargsyan briefed him on his government’s anti-crisis efforts.

The meeting agenda comprised some regional problems.