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BULGARIAN PREMIER MEETS ARMENIAN STATE LEADERS
BTA News Agency
April 3 2012
Bulgaria
Yerevan, April 3 (BTA special correspondent Genka Ivanova) - During
an official visit to Armenia on Tuesday [ 3 April], Bulgarian Prime
Minister Boyko Borissov conferred with the country's President
Serzh Sargsyan, Parliament Speaker Samvel Nikoyan, Prime Minister
Tigran Sargsyan, and Catholicos Karekin II, who heads the Armenian
Apostolic Church.
Emerging from the session with Borissov, Prime Minister Sargsyan
said that studying Bulgaria's experience in the process of European
integration is of enormous significance to Armenia and expressed
gratitude to Borissov for his desire to assist them in that matter.
Sargsyan also expressed hope that the visit will contribute to the
promotion of economic relations which currently do not correspond to
the capacity of the two countries. A new page in the development of
these relations should be opened to utilize the enormous potential
which still stands unused, he declared.
The sides noted the traditionally good relations between Bulgaria and
Armenia, which the Armenian Prime Minister said have historical roots.
Borissov pointed out that Bulgaria has proved its friendship with
Armenia repeatedly over the years. It has always helped so that things
on a cultural and historical plane are all right, but on the plane
of economy they are far from the potential of the two countries. In
his opinion, a more pragmatic attitude in the field of business,
including visits of business delegations and the organization of
forums will lead to success.
With a view to clearing the way before business, Borissov advised
sooner lifting of the visa regime, citing as an example Russia and
Turkey which have achieved an easier regime through more flexible
systems. Sargsyan assured him they are working actively on this
subject.
The two prime ministers shared their concern with what is happening in
Syria where there is a large Armenian community. Borissov reiterated
the position of Bulgaria and the European Community on the matter,
which is firmly against the violence of the authorities against
their own people. He noted that the Armenians in Bulgaria are among
the most successful citizens of the country in all spheres ranging
from business and banking to culture and music.
A bilateral Agreement on Cooperation in Labour and Social Policy and
an Agreement on Cooperation between the H. Abovyan Armenian State
Pedagogical University and the St Kliment Ohridski University of
Sofia were signed in the presence of the two prime ministers.
Earlier in the day, Borissov laid a wreath at the Tsitsernakaberd
monument and paid tribute to the memory of the innocent victims of
the Armenian Genocide. The Bulgarian Prime Minister planted a tree
in the Memory Alley and watered the tree planted by former Bulgarian
President Georgi Purvanov in 2002.
At the end of his visit, Borissov and the delegation led by him
travelled to the town of Ejmiatsin (or Etchmiadzin), the seat of
the Catholicos of All Armenians, the head of the Armenian Apostolic
Church. He conferred with Catholicos Karekin II and toured the church
complex, which includes a Theological Academy and a number of old
churches.
From: A. Papazian
BTA News Agency
April 3 2012
Bulgaria
Yerevan, April 3 (BTA special correspondent Genka Ivanova) - During
an official visit to Armenia on Tuesday [ 3 April], Bulgarian Prime
Minister Boyko Borissov conferred with the country's President
Serzh Sargsyan, Parliament Speaker Samvel Nikoyan, Prime Minister
Tigran Sargsyan, and Catholicos Karekin II, who heads the Armenian
Apostolic Church.
Emerging from the session with Borissov, Prime Minister Sargsyan
said that studying Bulgaria's experience in the process of European
integration is of enormous significance to Armenia and expressed
gratitude to Borissov for his desire to assist them in that matter.
Sargsyan also expressed hope that the visit will contribute to the
promotion of economic relations which currently do not correspond to
the capacity of the two countries. A new page in the development of
these relations should be opened to utilize the enormous potential
which still stands unused, he declared.
The sides noted the traditionally good relations between Bulgaria and
Armenia, which the Armenian Prime Minister said have historical roots.
Borissov pointed out that Bulgaria has proved its friendship with
Armenia repeatedly over the years. It has always helped so that things
on a cultural and historical plane are all right, but on the plane
of economy they are far from the potential of the two countries. In
his opinion, a more pragmatic attitude in the field of business,
including visits of business delegations and the organization of
forums will lead to success.
With a view to clearing the way before business, Borissov advised
sooner lifting of the visa regime, citing as an example Russia and
Turkey which have achieved an easier regime through more flexible
systems. Sargsyan assured him they are working actively on this
subject.
The two prime ministers shared their concern with what is happening in
Syria where there is a large Armenian community. Borissov reiterated
the position of Bulgaria and the European Community on the matter,
which is firmly against the violence of the authorities against
their own people. He noted that the Armenians in Bulgaria are among
the most successful citizens of the country in all spheres ranging
from business and banking to culture and music.
A bilateral Agreement on Cooperation in Labour and Social Policy and
an Agreement on Cooperation between the H. Abovyan Armenian State
Pedagogical University and the St Kliment Ohridski University of
Sofia were signed in the presence of the two prime ministers.
Earlier in the day, Borissov laid a wreath at the Tsitsernakaberd
monument and paid tribute to the memory of the innocent victims of
the Armenian Genocide. The Bulgarian Prime Minister planted a tree
in the Memory Alley and watered the tree planted by former Bulgarian
President Georgi Purvanov in 2002.
At the end of his visit, Borissov and the delegation led by him
travelled to the town of Ejmiatsin (or Etchmiadzin), the seat of
the Catholicos of All Armenians, the head of the Armenian Apostolic
Church. He conferred with Catholicos Karekin II and toured the church
complex, which includes a Theological Academy and a number of old
churches.
From: A. Papazian