YEREVAN. - Armenian Minister of Agriculture Ignati Arakelyan on Tuesday received the delegation received by Vassilis Maragos, director of the European Commission Directorate-General for Neighbourhood Policy Division for Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, and Eastern Partnership.

The meeting aimed to discuss the prospects for the further cooperation in the area of agriculture.

“The European Union provides great support to the development of the agriculture area in Armenia, which is highly appreciated by the Armenian Government. Nevertheless, there are still many issues in the area, for solving which we expect your support,” Minister Arakelyan said, welcoming the guests.

Head of delegation Vassilis Maragos, for his part, informed that the EU is going to continue the support in the area of agriculture, adding that it is necessary to ascertain the directions, where the Armenian side finds it more appropriate to cooperate, proceeding from the current priorities and issues of the country’s agricultural sphere.

Among the priority issues in the agrarian sphere, Minister Ignati Arakelyan specifically singled out re-loaning of agriculture, cooperation development, as well as issues on the improvement of subsidy programs and procurement process in the area of processing.

The Minister also attached importance to the development of cattle breeding, which will contribute to the increase in the volume of goods and farmers’ incomes.

The delegation members assured that the presented proposals will be studied in detail and be included in the future joint programs if possible. The Armenian side will also be provided consultation services, if necessary.

During the meeting, the sides also discussed other issues of mutual interest.