European Union to strengthen relations with Eastern Partnership program members: Catherine Ashton
17.11.2011,
20:26
The European Union intends to strengthen its relations with Eastern Partnership program’s member countries, despite the worsening economic situation, EU High Representative for Foreign and Security Policy, Catherine Ashton, said.
YEREVAN, November 17. /ARKA/. The European Union intends to strengthen its relations with Eastern Partnership program’s member countries, despite the worsening economic situation, EU High Representative for Foreign and Security Policy, Catherine Ashton, said today in Yerevan at a joint press conference with Armenian Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian.
"It is often said in EU capitals that we they want to strengthen, not weaken relationships with these countries, despite the fact that governments around the world are facing serious economic problems. There is a very strong desire in Europe to fulfil its promises and to maintain close relations ", she said.
According to Ashton, the relationship is not confined to financial matters, relating also to specific ways of cooperation and interaction.
"For example, a free trade agreement will create more opportunities for cooperation between our entrepreneurs and will help develop small business and exports, ‘ she said.
She quoted President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan as saying at a yesterday late evening with her that Armenia has 350 hi-tech companies, employing 5000 people.
"The more opportunities we create for them, as well as for agriculture, the bigger economic growth we shall have that would allow the state to develop," Ashton said. -0-
"It is often said in EU capitals that we they want to strengthen, not weaken relationships with these countries, despite the fact that governments around the world are facing serious economic problems. There is a very strong desire in Europe to fulfil its promises and to maintain close relations ", she said.
According to Ashton, the relationship is not confined to financial matters, relating also to specific ways of cooperation and interaction.
"For example, a free trade agreement will create more opportunities for cooperation between our entrepreneurs and will help develop small business and exports, ‘ she said.
She quoted President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan as saying at a yesterday late evening with her that Armenia has 350 hi-tech companies, employing 5000 people.
"The more opportunities we create for them, as well as for agriculture, the bigger economic growth we shall have that would allow the state to develop," Ashton said. -0-
