June 27, 2007 - 18:31 AMT
Greece ready to share European integration experience with Armenia
Armenian Prime Minister Serge Sargsyan met with Greek President Karolos Papoulias and the delegation led by him. "The Armenian government is ready to promote implementation of all agreements achieved by Presidents of Armenia and Greece and strengthen ties between two friendly nations," Sargsyan said.

He expressed satisfaction with Greece's assistance in various fields, specifically in the military sector. "Working for a long time in the security system I have held numerous meetings with Greek official departments. I have felt their friendly attitude and readiness for cooperation. Expansion of our cooperation is specifically important now, when Armenia is implementing the Armenia-NATO Individual Partnership Action Plan (IPAP). In this view, Greece's experience would be very useful," the RA PM said adding that friendly states should settle urgent issues by uniting efforts.

For his part Mr Papoulias noted with regret that if Turkey could change and abide by European values Armenia and Greece would not have to target a major part of the GDP at security. "Armenia and Greece always cooperate and support each other in all international structures. Greece has gained enough experience in European integration and Euro Atlantic partnership. We are ready to help Armenia," he emphasized.

The parties also referred to the activities of the Armenian-Greek intergovernmental commission on cooperation. PM Serge Sargsyan marked out agriculture, trade, tourism, education and defense as priority lines in the 5-year program of the Armenian government.

"Greeks and Armenians have much in common. We managed to overcome all difficulties and now we can make great achievements by cooperating with each other," the Greek President said, the RA government's press office reports.