Within the framework of the EU Twinning program, Deputy Ministers of Environment Anna Mazmanyan and Aram Meimaryan, who are in the Czech Republic (Prague), met with Deputy Ministers of Environment of the Czech Republic Tomas Tesar, Eva Volfova and Vladimir Doleisky to participate in an educational visit “Strengthened protection and sustainable use of biodiversity in Armenia in line with European standards”.
The sides discussed a number of issues on the agenda of the Armenian-Czech bilateral relations in the field of the environment, including issues of further development of cooperation.
Deputy Minister Environment Anna Mazmanyan spoke about the fulfillment of the commitments undertaken in accordance with the RA-EU Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement (CEPA) and its roadmap, and touched upon the legislative reforms carried out within its framework.
The Deputy Minister touched upon the environmental problems that arose as a result of the war unleashed by Azerbaijan against the Republic of Artsakh in 2020, and noted that despite the difficulties caused by the war and a certain change in priorities, Armenia continues to remain faithful to the obligations assumed by international conventions, and that our country intends to strengthen relations with EU member states and to make significant progress in the field of environmental protection and management in the foreseeable future.
Deputy Minister Aram Meimaryan, who coordinates the sphere of specially protected natural areas and forest policy, discussed with colleagues the possibilities of implementing programs that contribute to the effective management of natural resources and protected areas, mitigate pressure on nature in adjacent rural communities and improve the socio-economic situation.
At the end of the meeting, the parties expressed hope that this visit will be a great incentive not only in terms of expanding further cooperation related to Twinning, but also in terms of agreements, memoranda that have already been concluded between the two countries and departments.