YEREVAN. – Armenian Deputy FM Sergey Manasaryan on Thursday received newly appointed Ambassador of New Zealand to Armenia (residence in Moscow) Hamish Cooper who handed in his credentials.

Deputy Minister Manasaryan noted that Hamish Cooper is the first New Zealand’s ambassador to Armenia, expressing hope that he would make a contribution to development and strengthening of bilateral relations.

In his turn, Ambassador Cooper said he would spare no effort to expand cooperation between the states. He underscored importance of Armenian FM Edward Nalbandian’s trip to New Zealand last year and implementation of arrangements reached between the countries.

The sides discussed cooperation within the framework of international agencies, trade and economic ties. The Armenian community of New Zealand is a link for development of relations, diplomats stated.

Sergey Manasaryan presented the efforts of Armenia and international community into peaceful settlement of the Karabakh conflict and noted importance of New Zealand’s balanced stance on the issue.