Great Britain to continue activities in Armenia, ambassador says

YEREVAN, May 16. /ARKA/. Great Britain has no intention to break off activities with Armenia, but further bilateral cooperation mainly depend on the country’s internal political situation and economic progress, UK Ambassador to Armenia Charles Lonsdale said during his meeting with RA Prime Minister Tigran Sargsian.

The Ambassador assured the Premiere Great Britain is ready to assist Armenia in the implementation of joint programs with European Union (EU) and World Bank (WB).

Ambassador Lonsdale stressed the necessity for the balanced regional development program in the country.

In his turn, Sargsian assured the British Ambassador that his activities in Armenia will contribute to Armenian-British cooperation development. To foster democracy, Armenia stipulates for serious programs and activities to settle topical issues, the Prime Minister said.

Sargsian was not content with the Armenian-British trade turnover and set a stress on economic cooperation development.

Armenian-British trade turnover increased by 51.7% to $45.1mln in 2007. Armenian exports to Great Britain last year totaled $2.8mln against 7.6mln in 2006. British imports to Armenia rose 91.2% to $42.3mln in the reporting period.

Thanking the Ministry of International Development of Great Britain for carrying out social reforms in Armenian regions, Sargsian said Armenia plans to launch new cooperation programs.

The Prime Minister informed the British Ambassador the new concept of civil service is under way. He said Armenia expects technical assistance from Great Britain to implement this program. The Premier assured the Ambassador Armenia will do its best to sign an agreement with Great Britain on preventing double taxation. This may become a serious impetus to bilateral economic cooperation, according to Sargsian.

The participants to the meeting also discussed issues on regional development and Armenian-Turkish relations. Sargsian confirmed that Armenia is ready to establish diplomatic relations with Turkey without any preconditions. He said Great Britain can play a crucial role in this issue.

Armenian-Turkish border has been closed since 1993 on Turkey’s initiative. This caused $500mln worth annual damage to Armenia’s economy. Z. Sh. –0--