YEREVAN. – The Prime Minister of Armenia, Karen Karapetyan, received British Ambassador Judith Margareth Farnworth.

Noting that this year marks the 25th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Armenia and the United Kingdom, the PM stressed that a rich experience of cooperation has been built up over the past period, the press office of the government informed Armenian News-NEWS.am.

Highly appreciative of the assistance provided by the United Kingdom with a view to implementing economic and democratic reforms in Armenia, Karapetyan said the government of Armenia is keen to expand the ongoing cooperation, especially in the economic sphere. In this context, the Prime Minister touched upon the steps aimed at improving the business climate and the new government program. The Premier stressed that the new program clearly states the government’s vision of and the ways for developing the country.

In turn, noting that the United Kingdom is interested in the development of cooperation with the government of Armenia in specific domains, Ambassador Farnworth noted that a program of increased assistance for Armenia’s judicial and legal system reform and the fight against corruption has already been approved. The diplomat stressed that several British companies are interested in implementing investment programs in Armenia’s industry and the energy sector.

Hopeful that the March 2017 meetings between 17 Armenian and 100 British IT companies would lead to the signing of business contracts, Farnworth said that respective specific steps are being taken.

Noting the importance of bringing in British capital and business management culture to Armenia, Karen Karapetyan stressed that the country’s government is open for close cooperation in specific domains.