Armenian deputy foreign minister holds series of meetings in Ottawa

(Horizon Media / OTTAWA) — Armenian Deputy Foreign Minister Vahan Kostanyan held a series of meetings with Canadian officials in Ottawa on July 20 and 21, as Yerevan sought to highlight political dialogue, trade and investment opportunities in relations with Canada.

Kostanyan and Canadian Assistant Deputy Foreign Minister Alexandre Lévêque led the latest round of bilateral political consultations, discussing high-level contacts, cooperation within international organizations and developments in the South Caucasus. The Armenian side also presented its assessment of efforts aimed at consolidating what it described as the peace established in the region.

The discussions followed Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s visit to Armenia for the eighth European Political Community summit, which Armenian officials cited as providing new momentum to bilateral relations.

In separate meetings with Deputy Minister of International Trade Glenn Purves, Senior Associate Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs David Angell and Parliamentary Secretary for International Trade Yasir Naqvi, Kostanyan discussed prospects for expanding trade, encouraging investment and increasing participation in business forums and sectoral exhibitions.

Kostanyan also met Senate Foreign Affairs and International Trade Committee Chair Peter Boehm, with discussions focusing on parliamentary contacts and cooperation in bilateral and multilateral settings.

During an online meeting with John Hannaford, the Canadian prime minister’s personal representative to the European Union, the sides exchanged views on Armenia’s and Canada’s respective relations with the EU and possible areas of further cooperation.