2010 was a year of intense contacts between Switzerland and Armenia, Konstantin Obolensky, Counsellor, Head of the Office of the Embassy of Switzerland, said in an interview with NEWS.am. He stressed that during several high ranking visits Armenian and Swiss officials managed to discuss bilateral and regional issues this year.

Obolensky also noted that in February an agreement between the two countries entered into force abolishing the requirement of visas for holders of diplomatic passports. “This new procedure makes it easier for Armenian diplomats travelling to Switzerland for bilateral discussions or for meetings at the International Organisations in Geneva,” he said.

He also touched upon programs and activities planned for 2011, stressing that jointly with partner organisations, the Office of the Embassy of Switzerland will again participate in the programme of La Francophonie that takes place in March. “Also, I am happy to note that Armenia will be the guest of honour at the prestigious International Fair for Books and Press that takes place in Geneva in April/May 2011,” Obolensky said.

The head of Office of the Swiss Embassy stressed that one of the most memorable events in 2010 was visiting the opening ceremony for the Tatev Aerial Tramway that took place in October. “Unfortunately, during another visit a few weeks later, there was nothing left of those extra animations and I hope that some of that will return at least for the tourist season, as it makes a visit to that remote place even more attractive. Ways should be developed to have the residents of the villages in the vicinity involved in these activities, so that some profits of the visitors stays in the area,” he emphasized.

Konstantin Obolensky is happy to be one of those diplomats who would stay in Armenia for the Christmas and New Year celebrations, he said, adding that plans to receive a family visit from Switzerland. The Swiss diplomat wished the Armenian people peace and prosperity. “I hope that in the lives of everyone there will be more forseeability in economic, legal, and political affairs. And I wish that the poorest people, which are often children and elderly persons, will be carried by the solidarity of Armenian society.