Tuesday, 27 September 2005
Today RA Prime Minister Mr. A. Margaryan has received outgoing Greek ambassador to Armenia Antonios Vlavianos.
Highly appreciative of the present level of the Armenian-Greek relationship, the parties have noted that RA President's official visit to Greece as scheduled for this November will be conducive to the continuity of the political dialogue between two countries and the activation of economic relations. Having noted the importance of bilateral mutually advantageous cooperation pursued in the European structures and international organizations, Prime Minister Margaryan and Ambassador Antonios Vlavianos emphasized, in particular, that the involvement of the Southern Caucasus in the program of European Neighborhood would open up new prospects for the development of Armenia's relations with EU-member countries. Reminding that in June, 2005 our country presented in Brussels a package of individual action plan for Armenia-NATO cooperation (IPAP), the Prime minister noted that our country was prepared to consider the scheme of future cooperation with Greece in the framework of this program of action.
With reference to bilateral trade and economic relations, the interlocutors have stated that the exchanges in this area, notwithstanding the obviously upward trends, still fail to live up to the possibilities available in the two countries and conceal significant development potential, especially considering the existence of an appropriate legal framework. Prime minister Mr. A. Margaryan also emphasized the importance of Armenia's most active involvement in the programs carried out in our region under the aegis of the European Union which, to his mind, would affect positively the process of conflict settlement.
Ambassador Antonios Vlavianos and Prime minister said to be satisfied at the pace of progress of the programs carried out in Armenia with the assistance of Greece in a number of spheres: public health services, education, agriculture, water-supply, sport, culture etc. Similarly mentioned was the fact of successful cooperation in the military sphere. Emphasizing the need in further expansion and development of regional cooperation, the interlocutors have stated that the blockade of Armenia and the stipulation of preconditions in the matter of establishment of diplomatic relations on the part of the EU membership seeking Turkey were unacceptable.
At the close of the meeting, the Prime minister thanked the Ambassador for effective tenure of office and collaboration and wished him every success in his future activities.
