YEREVAN. – President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan on Thursday received a United Arab Emirates (UAE) delegation, led by UAE Chess Federation President Saeed Al Meqbali.

Sargsyan, who is also Chairman of the Chess Federation of Armenia, said he is happy that sports—especially chess—likewise will be on the list of the domains of Armenia-UAE collaboration.

Al Meqbali, for his part, noted that he is extremely impressed by the special approach towards chess in Armenia, and by the latter being the world’s first successful example of teaching chess in public schools. In his words, the UAE is greatly interested in studying Armenia’s exemplary track-record in chess and applying it in the Emirates. Saeed Al Meqbali added that his country’s businessmen are interested in making investments in Armenia’s chess, too.

In turn, Serzh Sargsyan expressed readiness to assist in the exchange of respective knowhow and implementation of joint projects.

At the end of the talk, the top officials of the Chess Federation of Armenia and the UAE Chess Federation signed a memorandum of cooperation and understanding.