YEREVAN. – Armenia’s National Assembly (NA) Deputy Speaker, Hermine Naghdalyan, on Friday met with Colin Roberts, the Director of Eastern Europe and Central Asia Directorate of the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

The interlocutors underscored Armenia’s important directions to be taken during President Serzh Sargsyan’s second term in office, NA press service informs. 

The NA vice-chairwoman informed that, in the past five years, the main efforts by the Armenian authorities were directed toward surmounting the political crisis and increasing tolerance and improving the moral and psychological climate in the country. Naghdalyan added that the global economic downturn likewise caused great damage to Armenia. It was noted, however, that the authorities’ next efforts will aim to increase economic growth, create new jobs, stop emigration, and will encompass other domains, too.         

The Armenian parliament deputy head also noted that Armenia’s relations with Great Britain have gained new momentum, and this is proved by the mutual visits of the senor officials from both countries.   

Naghdalyan noted that Armenia attaches great importance to developing its relations with European Union (EU) member states. 

“Armenia’s authorities highly appreciate the British government assistance to the ongoing economic and democratic reforms in Armenia,” the NA Deputy Speaker said.   

Naghdalyan also highlighted the programs being implemented in Armenia by several British companies, and extended her gratitude for the British assistance in numerous domains.   

In addition, Hermine Naghdalyan and Colin Roberts highlighted the cooperation in relations with EU. In his turn, the British official drew attention to the steps Armenia will need to take ahead of the EU Eastern Partnership summit to be held in the Lithuanian capital, Vilnius, in November, and expressed willingness to assist Armenia in these processes.