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EUROPEAN UNION TO STRENGTHEN RELATIONS WITH EASTERN PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM MEMBERS: CATHERINE ASHTON
/ARKA/
November 17, 2011
YEREVAN
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.
/ARKA/
November 17, 2011
YEREVAN
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.