Minister for Foreign Affairs George W. Vella held meetings with the new ambassadors-designate of Mongolia and Armenia.
Meeting with the Ambassador-designate of Mongolia Jambaldorj Tserendorj, Minister Vella underlined the potential for increased cooperation between both countries, despite the geographical distances. This was particularly relevant in the finance, tourism, investment and education sectors. In highlighting the need for increased people-to-people contact, the Minister encouraged the further exchange of students and academic staff, particularly in the tourism and medical fields.
Minister Vella also remarked that Malta's EU membership facilitated contact with Mongolia through inter-regional fora such as the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM). In this regard, the Minister recalled with satisfaction his visit to Mongolia for the 11th ASEM Summit on the 15th and 16th of July 2016, as part of the Malta delegation led by Prime Minister, Dr Joseph Muscat. On the margins of this summit, two important agreements were also signed by both countries - the Air Services Agreement and the Visa Waiver for Diplomatic Passports Agreement.
Ambassador-designate Tserendorj agreed with the points raised by the Minister, and noted that the EU-Mongolia Partnership and Cooperation Agreement facilitates trade, dialogue and cooperation in various sectors. In this regard, the Ambassador-designate expressed his commitment to take the ties between Mongolia and Malta to the next level.
Upon meeting the Ambassador-designate of Armenia Victoria Bagdassarian, discussions were held on the upcoming Parliamentary elections in Armenia that are scheduled to take place on the 2nd of April 2017. In this regard, the Minister positively noted Armenia's shift to a parliamentary system and the latest reports issued by the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE).
The Minister referred to the strong ties between the two countries and both sides reiterated their commitment to continue working closely for the achievement of more fruitful bilateral relations. Reference was also made to the existing potential to increase relations on commercial exchanges, investment and people-to-people contacts.
Minister Vella also welcomed the recent conclusion of negotiations on a new EU-Armenia Comprehensive Framework Agreement and underlined that Malta's commitment, also as current Presidency of the Council of the European Union, to support Armenia to further its relations with the EU. He also commended the commitment undertaken by Armenia in this regard.
Minister Vella and the Ambassador-Designate also exchanged views on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, whereby Minister Vella underlined the decisive role of the OSCE and reiterated Malta's support for the work of the Minsk Co-Chairs.