OREANDA-NEWS  On 08 October was announced, that Nerses Yeritsyan, the RA Minister of Economy received Ivan Jestrab, the newly appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Czech Republic to Armenia (residence in Tbilisi).

Congratulating the Ambassador with the beginning of his mission, Minister Yeritsyan said, that Armenia gives great importance to the development of bilateral relations with Czech Republic, as well as the broadening of cooperation within the framework of the European Neighbourhood Policy.

Mr. Jestrab emphasized the interest of his country to the Southern Caucasus countries, especially to Armenia. Touching upon the Czech Foreign Minister's and Senate Chairman's official visits to Armenia, and the results of Armenian –Czech Business Forum (September 12, 2008), Mr. Ambassador mentioned, that all those events could serve as a good platform for the future mutually beneficial collaboration.

During the meeting, talking about the level of the economic relations between the two countries, Nerses Yeritsyan mentioned that the current economic relations don't develop dynamically, and the opportunities are not fully used. Mr. Minister underlined several fields for cooperation, such as jewellery, chemical and mining industries. Touching upon the investment possibilities, Nerses Yeritsyan focused his attention on the services, High-Tech and IT.

Stressing the importance of development of cooperation with the EU countries, Mr. Minister underlined, that Armenia is making active efforts to sign Free Trade Agreement in deep with EU countries, because it will give an additional boost to direct the economic reforms processes in a right course and will help us to achieve our final goals.

The Ambassador of Czech Republic thanked the Minister of Economy for warm welcome and said, that he is really impressed by the progressive development of Armenia and its readiness for cooperation. He also underlined, that he'll support the stimulation of development of bilateral cooperation between Czech Republic and Armenia.