On May 14 the President of the National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia Mr Tigran Torosyan received the newly appointed ambassador of Turkmenistan to Armenia Mr Shohrat Jumayev.

The Ambassador informed the NA President about the ongoing political, economic reforms in Turkmenistan and ensured the friendly attitude of his country and his people and the wish of deepening relations in all spheres with Armenia. Mr Jumayev especially stressed the raising of the economic ties to political high level relationship and the development of inter-parliamentary cooperation, and in this context the creation of the inter-parliamentary friendship group. The Ambassador expressed willingness to do as much as possible during his term of office to make closer the traditional ties of two states and peoples. He thanked the NA President for attending the inauguration ceremony of the President of Turkmenistan, considering his visit to Ashgabat as a display of respect. Remembering the disastrous earthquake years ago the Ambassador noted with gratitude that the capital city was restored with the efforts of the Armenian builders. As a result of the ongoing reforms in the country, the Ambassador ensured that a great place was given to the organization of competitions, and the Armenian builders, who would like to use their rich experience in Turkmenistan, would be gladly received in Ashgabat. Touching upon the educational problems Mr Jumayev stressed that 60 young people get education in Armenia.

Mr Tigran Torosyan congratulated the Ambassador upon his appointment and expressed hope that the mission will be marked by the development of inter-state and inter-parliamentary relations, and expressed willingness to promote the success of the steps taken by the Ambassador directed towards the deepening of cooperation. Referring to raising the economic ties to the level of political relations, the NA President noted that the economic development of the two states would create new opportunities for mutually beneficial cooperation. The establishment of the inter-governmental commission was highlighted, which will give opportunity for the fulfillment of concrete programmes. In order to make closer the inter-parliamentary relations Mr Torosyan noted that till the end of the spring session a parliamentary friendship group would be set up in the National Assembly. The creation of such group in the parliament of Turkmenistan and the mutual visits will promote the development of inter-parliamentary relations. Ensuring his warm attitude towards the Turkmen people the NA President noted that the ongoing reforms in the country were visible also in foreign policy, and the development of relations with certain countries and the European Union would create new opportunities for cooperation.

During the meeting other issues were also discussed.