Petr Pavel sees new economic opportunities for Czech Republic in South Caucasus connectivity projects
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Czech President Petr Pavel addressed the question of how the Czech Republic could participate in Armenia’s “Crossroads of Peace” initiative, which offers new opportunities for regional connectivity and economic cooperation.
The Czech President addressed the issue during a joint press conference with Armenian President Vahagn Khachaturyan in Prague, responding to a question from Armenpress.
According to him, economic and people-to-people ties contribute to strengthening stability.
“When there are relations and cooperation between countries and people, the possibilities and risks of conflicts are reduced. I believe that expanding these ties is necessary for stability in Europe and the region. For my part, I will do everything possible to ensure that the Czech Republic increases its support for these opportunities,” the Czech President said.
He stressed that this concerned not only the “Crossroads of Peace” or TRIPP projects, but also European initiatives that could contribute to expanding regional connectivity.
“It would be good if we could expand all these initiatives because it is clear that they will bring stability and development. I believe that the Czech Republic can participate in these initiatives in various formats, as they could also create new opportunities for our economy,” Pavel said.
The presidents’ joint press conference was followed by Vahagn Khachaturyan’s meeting with President of the Czech Senate Miloš Vystrčil. The meeting was also attended by the Senate’s vice-presidents and the chairs of the committees on foreign affairs, defence and security, as well as EU affairs.
The discussions then continued at the Chamber of Deputies, where the Armenian President was welcomed by President of the Chamber of Deputies Tomio Okamura. An expanded-format meeting was held.
Armenian Minister of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure Davit Khudatyan is also part of the Armenian President’s delegation.
The official visit will also include a meeting with representatives of the Armenian community in the Czech Republic, as well as an event entitled “Solidarity: Commemorating Czech Support for Armenia Following the 1988 Earthquake”.
As part of the event planned at the Rothmayer Hall of Prague Castle, a meeting will be held with firefighters who carried out a rescue mission in Armenia following the devastating earthquake of December 7, 1988, and with organisers of a humanitarian fundraising campaign.