Wednesday, 20 January 2016
Prime Minister Welcomes IFAD Regional Director
Prime Minister Hovik Abrahamyan received Khalida Bouzar, IFAD Director for the Middle East, North Africa, Europe and Central Asia.
The Prime Minister said to be highly appreciative of the 20-year-long cooperation with the IFAD, which resulted in 7 major projects for economic development of rural areas in Armenia. The Premier noted the importance of continuous implementation of joint programs aimed at introducing sustainable agriculture in rural areas, which is crucial in both environmental and socio-economic terms. Hovik Abrahamyan welcomed the new joint program referred to as “Support for infrastructure and rural funding,” the official start of which will be announced at tomorrow’s workshop.
Describing the years-long bilateral cooperation as quite effective, IFAD's Regional Director emphasized in turn that Armenia is being looked upon as a country with rich experience of innovative and successful programs. In this context, Ms Buzar expressed satisfaction with FREDA’s activities in Armenia, noting that the successful experience of Armenia projects might become a model for other IFAD-partner countries.
Coming down to the furtherance of bilateral cooperation, the parties discussed the details of the upcoming joint projects. The Prime Minister stressed the need for reflecting the priorities of the Armenian government in this project, which is deemed to be another important step on the way to ensuring proportionate territorial development in Armenia.
Welcoming the proposals formulated by the head of the Armenian government, Ms Bouzar assured that the next joint program will be developed on the basis of those priorities set out in the Government Program and the principle of involvement of all regions of Armenia. She noted that her organization is keen on developing long-term cooperation with Armenia and implementing ever new programs.
Assuring that the Government will be consistent in the pursuit of the agreements reached so far, Hovik Abrahamyan expressed confidence that the cooperation with the IFAD will go developing and strengthening ahead.
