Wednesday, 7 December 2005
Today, on the third day of his official visit to Egypt, Prime Minister A. Margaryan has met with Egyptian President Hosni Moubarak at the ARE Presidency.
To begin with, Prime Minister Margaryan conveyed to President Moubarak warmest greetings and a special message on the part of RA President.
The head of GoA congratulated H.E. Hosni Moubarak on his early September re-election to presidency for the fifth consecutive term. Mr. A. Margaryan appreciated the holding of multi-candidate elections in Egypt as a continuity-conducive factor for the democratic reforms underway in the country. The Armenian Prime Minister stressed the historical value of these reforms and wished the friendly people of Egypt every success on the way to this end. The Prime Minister expressed hope that the Armenian-Egyptian relationship would be activated with the formation of the new Parliament. He appreciated Egypt's mediatory efforts towards the settlement of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Mr. A. Margaryan said that, based on regional security considerations, Armenia was largely interested in the soonest possible settlement of the political situation in Irak.
During the meeting, the parties have also discussed questions regarding the two countries' relationship with neighboring States, as well as a number of regional issues of mutual interest. Mr. Margaryan stressed that Armenia had repeatedly expressed readiness for a precondition-free establishment of diplomatic ties with Turkey while the Turkish side was insisting upon the ways of settlement of the Karabakh conflict and the stopping of the campaign for the international recognition of Armenian Genocide. He said that Azerbaijan's attempts to give a religious bias to the conflict and the evocations of the islamic solidarity were inadmissble as they stood in disharmony with the overal spirit of the friendly relationship existing between Armenia and the Arab States.
Prime Minister Margaryan and President Moubarak noted the present high level of political ties ought to be backed by the development of economic exchanges. According to them, successful projects might foster trade and economic ties in the long run.
The prime ministers of the two countries briefed the Egyptian President on the outcome of the fourth session of the intergovernmental commission by estimating them as effective and positive.
Following the meeting with the ARE President, Prime Minister A. Margaryan called at the Armenian Prelacy of Egypt where he took part in the ceremony for commemoration of victims of the 1998 earthquake. The Prime Minister met with the representatives of the Armenian diocese at the see of the prelate.
Then the Armenian delegation visited Luxor Province where the Armenian Prime Minister was met and welcomed by Governor Samir Farag. Mr. A. Margaryan and other members of delegation familiarized themselves with the historical and cultural values available in the province, including the famous Karnaki Temple and other sights.
In the evening, Mr. Margaryan and the members his delegation attended a gala dinner hosted by the Governor of Luxor.
Tomorrow the Prime Minister-led Armenian delegation is scheduled to leave for Alexandria and meet with Governor of Alexandria Mohammad Abdel Salam Mahgour.
