Cyprus News Agency
Monday
House President continues meetings in Armenia in framework of official visit
President of the House of Representatives Demetris Syllouris is continuing his contacts in Yerevan, Armenia, in the framework of an official visit, and on Monday met with President of Armenia Armen Sarkissian and President of the National Assembly Ara Babloyan.
In statements, Sarkissian said prospects for cooperation between Cyprus and Armenia are much greater than they have been, noting that they agreed to promote cooperation in the sectors of services and education.
Sarkissian said the friendship between Cyprus and Armenia goes back centuries, and referred to the Armenian community in Cyprus, noting that its members are also good citizens of Cyprus.
Syllouris said they discussed practical ways to enhance cooperation and relations, to the benefit of the people of both countries.
In his meeting with Babloyan, Syllouris referred to preparations for the trilateral parliamentary cooperation of Cyprus, Greece, and Armenia, the first meeting of which will take place in Cyprus.
Babloyan said Armenia looks forward to the House of Representatives ratifying the enhanced partnership agreement between the EU and Armenia.
In a press conference after the talks, Babloyan said the official visit strengthened the effort for the further development of bilateral ties, noting that they had the opportunity to discuss parliamentary cooperation and relations.
Babloyan also said they discussed developments in the Cyprus issue, adding that Cyprus and Armenia support each other in matters of national importance.
Regarding the recognition of the Armenian Genocide, he said Cyprus was the first European country to recognise in 1975 and condemn the genocide. Babloyan also mentioned the law that the House of Representatives passed regarding the criminalisation of the denial of the genocide.
Regarding the Armenia's 'velvet revolution', Syllouris said 'there is only one Armenia for us', adding that 'we want a strong Armenia'.