YEREVAN. – South Africa’s new Ambassador to Armenia, Christian Albertus Basson—whose diplomatic residence is in the Ukrainian capital city of Kyiv—, on Monday presented his credentials to President Serzh Sargsyan.

The President congratulated the ambassador on his appointment, and stressed that Armenia underscores the enhancement of relations with African countries. Sargsyan also expressed the hope that Ambassador Basson will make every effort—during his tenure—to invigorate bilateral contacts and develop interstate relations. 

The interlocutors agreed that the current level of Armenia-South Africa cooperation is far from the desired level. They noted that there is substantial potential and prospects for the development of trade and economic ties in several domains.

The President of Armenia praised the two countries’ cooperation within the framework of international organizations, and highlighted South Africa’s balanced stance with respect to significant issues for Armenia, including the settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

At the end of the talk, President Serzh Sargsyan wished the ambassador success in his highly accountable work toward the strengthening and development of relations between Armenia and South Africa.