October 7, 2005 - 17:49 AMT
Armenian Speaker And Latvian President Discussed Opening Direct Air Flight
Today Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga met with Armenian National Assembly Speaker Artur Baghdassaryan, representatives of Standing Commissions and MPs. A. Baghdassaryan indicated the importance of Latvia's experience in the European integration process, strengthening Armenian-Latvian interparliamentary cooperation and regional ties. The parties discussed trade and economic, as well as scientific and cultural cooperation. They also considered the opportunity of opening a direct air flight between the two countries that would encourage trade and economic relations. Vaira Vike-Freiberga emphasized the importance of successful completion of constitutional reforms in Armenia. Parliaments have always been democracy pillars and cooperation between legislative bodies of Armenia and Latvia has an important role in inter-state relations, stated the Latvian leader. She expressed readiness to continue comprehensive cooperation with Armenia. Secretary of ARF Dashnaktsutyun faction Hrayr Karapetyan expressed gratitude for the Latvian Parliament passing the Armenian Genocide Bill in the first reading. In response the Latvian President noted that during her visit to Turkey she had indicated the need to recognize the Armenian Genocide at her meetings with the President and PM. She had underscored that the country should not have obscure pages in its history when joining the European family.