Monday, 29 September 2008
RA Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan received Raymond Johansen, Kingdom of Norway Foreign Affairs Ministry Secretary of State for Foreign Relations who is in Armenia as part of a regional visit to South Caucasus.
To begin with, the RA Prime Minister expressed hope that Mr. Johansen's visit will boost the development of the Armenian-Norwegian relations. Tigran Sargsyan made a point of keeping by balanced approaches in regional policies bearing in mind that in its regional undertakings Norway has so far chiefly focused on Azerbaijan (which hosts a Norwegian embassy) and Georgia. The Prime Minister underscored Armenia's interest in developing relations with the Kingdom of Norway considering that closer ties of interaction will be conducive to an atmosphere of stability, proportionate development and confidence.
In this connection, Mr. Johansen noted that in addition to many other goals, his current visit seeks to promote Armenia's economic development in specific areas by forwarding his country's expertise in water and energy sectors, for example. Raymond Johansen indicated that Armenia is not ignored at all as the level of country assistance has been the same for all 3 States in South Caucasus. He prioritized the encouragement of business circles to make investments into different spheres of economy.
At the request of the guest, Tigran Sargsyan briefed him on the progress in reforms, as well as on the Armenia's economic status and priorities of the Armenian government.
On behalf of Armenia's government and people, the Prime Minister took the opportunity to thank the authorities and the people of Norway for sizeable rehabilitation assistance extended 20 years ago following the devastating earthquake of Spitak. The head of government mentioned that since 1988 Norway has largely supported the earthquake-affected regions of our country by building a district called Norwegian Village in Spitak town, as well as several schools, hospitals, about 800 apartments and residential houses (cottages). The Norwegian Council of Refugees has installed and restored 34 water-mains, 55 school buildings, dozens of community centers and play-grounds. The Prime Minister advised that the earthquake 20th anniversary preparations State commission is going to invite to Armenia representatives, individuals and organizations from all those States having assisted our country in the wake of the disaster. Mindful that State Secretary Raymond Johansen, too, was closely engaged in these efforts as he worked at the Norwegian Red Cross and Spitak's Fridjoff Nansen Hospital, Tigran Sargsyan invited him to attend the 20th anniversary commemoration events so as the people of Armenia could bid a personal vote of thanks to him.
Mr. Johansen accepted the invitation with appreciation. He said to be scheduled to call at the Fridjoff Nansen Hospital of Spitak on the way to Tbilisi tomorrow.
The parties have also touched upon the Russian-Georgian conflict. The Kingdom of Norway Foreign Affairs Ministry Secretary of State for Foreign Relations presented his country's attitude by noting that he is going to discuss with Georgian authorities the situation and Norway's eventual assistance. Then he asked the Prime Minister about the impact of this conflict on Armenia's economy and the recent developments in Armenian-Turkish relations.
Appreciative of the results of the already famous "soccer diplomacy," Raymond Johansen said that the Turkish President's visit to Armenia and the high-level dialog are quite encouraging.
The interlocutors also referred to the efforts aimed at getting the representatives of the opposition involved in the government's anti-corruption program, initiating an open dialog with the public, strengthening democracy and promoting human rights and freedom of speech, ensuring that an unbiased probe is conducted into the events of last March 1-2.
