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Inquirer.net, Philippines
Aug 15 2012
PH, Armenia sign agreements to expand bilateral relations
By Fat Reyes
INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines - Foreign Secretary Albert Del Rosario and
Armenian Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian on Wednesday signed two
bilateral agreements which were meant to expand bilateral relations
between the two countries.
The agreement between the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs
(DFA) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) of Armenia established
a mechanism on political consultation meant to monitor
Philippine-Armenia relations, the DFA said in a statement.
It also said the agreement included the establishment of the Waiver on
Visa for Diplomatic and Official Passport Holders, meant to increase
people-to-people contacts and `expand the levels of friendship and
cooperation between the two countries.' The agreement was made for
easy facilitation of visiting Philippine and Armenian government
officials.
Nalbandian's visit to the DFA Wednesday morning was the first visit to
the Philippines by a high ranking official from Armenia.
The statement noted that Del Rosario, during his meeting with
Nalbandian, said the official's visit marked this year's 20th
anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the
two countries. It said Del Rosario welcomed the European country's
interest to engage in the Asia Pacific region.
In a separate interview with reporters, Del Rosario noted that the
meeting was good for the countries since `nothing has moved between us
for about 20 years.' He said that for 20 years, trade between the
Philippines and Armenia was `miniscule' and that there were no
investments.
Del Rosario added that the two countries were working on signing other
important agreements when he visits Armenia early next year.
He said that they were looking at a number of opportunities to boost
trade and investments, particularly in the agriculture and
construction sectors.
He said they were also trying to get Armenia to look at the Business
Process and Outsourcing (BPO) sectors, particularly in engineering and
architectural design.
He also said that economic and science and technology agreements, as
well as cultural and educational agreements between the two countries,
were also discussed.
He added that the Armenian ambassador was particularly surprised with
the country's investments and productions of bananas.
`They are keen on looking if they could obtain bananas from us,' Del
Rosario said.
Nalbandian, for his part, said that his country's foreign policy
decision to stir up activities in the region was consistent with the
country's need to tap external markets, and modernize its production
processes and infrastructure.
The statement also noted that the two leaders also discussed regional
issues and reaffirmed their commitment to contributing to global and
regional peace and security.
Nalbandian also paid a courtesy call on President Benigno S. Aquino III Tuesday.
http://globalnation.inquirer.net/47229/ph-armenia-sign-agreements-to-expand-bilateral-relations
Aug 15 2012
PH, Armenia sign agreements to expand bilateral relations
By Fat Reyes
INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines - Foreign Secretary Albert Del Rosario and
Armenian Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian on Wednesday signed two
bilateral agreements which were meant to expand bilateral relations
between the two countries.
The agreement between the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs
(DFA) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) of Armenia established
a mechanism on political consultation meant to monitor
Philippine-Armenia relations, the DFA said in a statement.
It also said the agreement included the establishment of the Waiver on
Visa for Diplomatic and Official Passport Holders, meant to increase
people-to-people contacts and `expand the levels of friendship and
cooperation between the two countries.' The agreement was made for
easy facilitation of visiting Philippine and Armenian government
officials.
Nalbandian's visit to the DFA Wednesday morning was the first visit to
the Philippines by a high ranking official from Armenia.
The statement noted that Del Rosario, during his meeting with
Nalbandian, said the official's visit marked this year's 20th
anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the
two countries. It said Del Rosario welcomed the European country's
interest to engage in the Asia Pacific region.
In a separate interview with reporters, Del Rosario noted that the
meeting was good for the countries since `nothing has moved between us
for about 20 years.' He said that for 20 years, trade between the
Philippines and Armenia was `miniscule' and that there were no
investments.
Del Rosario added that the two countries were working on signing other
important agreements when he visits Armenia early next year.
He said that they were looking at a number of opportunities to boost
trade and investments, particularly in the agriculture and
construction sectors.
He said they were also trying to get Armenia to look at the Business
Process and Outsourcing (BPO) sectors, particularly in engineering and
architectural design.
He also said that economic and science and technology agreements, as
well as cultural and educational agreements between the two countries,
were also discussed.
He added that the Armenian ambassador was particularly surprised with
the country's investments and productions of bananas.
`They are keen on looking if they could obtain bananas from us,' Del
Rosario said.
Nalbandian, for his part, said that his country's foreign policy
decision to stir up activities in the region was consistent with the
country's need to tap external markets, and modernize its production
processes and infrastructure.
The statement also noted that the two leaders also discussed regional
issues and reaffirmed their commitment to contributing to global and
regional peace and security.
Nalbandian also paid a courtesy call on President Benigno S. Aquino III Tuesday.
http://globalnation.inquirer.net/47229/ph-armenia-sign-agreements-to-expand-bilateral-relations