YEREVAN, DECEMBER 5, ARMENPRESS. New Ambassador of the Republic of South Africa to Armenia Andre Johannes Groenewald (residence in Kiev, Ukraine) presented his credentials to President Armen Sarkissian, the Armenian President’s Office told Armenpress.

President Sarkissian congratulated the Ambassador on appointment, expressing hope that he will bring his contribution to the development of the bilateral relations. “Our goal is not only to improve the relations, but also to make closer our peoples”, the President said, adding that he will be delighted to host the president of the Republic of South Africa in Armenia to reveal the country which has been as a crossroad for ancient civilizations. “Currently it [Armenia] is a gateway to the EAEU”, the Armenian President said.

The Ambassador in turn stated that this is his first visit to Armenia and is very impressed with the country and its people. “It’s very different and unique. I see great opportunities for the cooperation between our countries”, the Ambassador said.

The officials also discussed the prospective directions of the mutual cooperation, stating that the two countries are famous for their high qualities in the diamond-cutting sphere and can successfully cooperate. The meeting also touched upon the fields of new technologies, education and science, as well as the cooperation opportunities within the frames of the Armenian presidential initiative ATOM (Advanced Tomorrow) dedicated to science and technology development in Armenia.

Edited and translated by Aneta Harutyunyan