Cyprus and Armenia are determined to enhance their cooperation in the future, Justice and Public Order Minister Kypros Chrysostomides and Armenian Minister of Justice Gevorg Danielyan have said.
Chrysostomides said during the official talks, earlier today, they exchanged views and experiences, noting that relations between the two countries are traditionally excellent.
He explained to Danielyan the responsibilities of his ministry and they talked about the Police, the Central Prisons, the Fire Service, the State Archives, the Courts and equality between men and women.
Chrysostomides said they reiterated the intention and determination of the two governments for closer cooperation in the future. Already, he said, there are cooperation agreements to fight organised crime and there is also an agreement to avoid double taxation.
The Cypriot Minister said House Speaker Marios Garoyian will visit Armenia next week while President of the Republic Demetris Christofias will visit in the spring.
“We will remain in touch to promote the agreement and handle common issues which the two countries are facing. Cooperation at international organisations is a fact and respect of international law defines the wider policy”, he added.
Speaking through an interpreter, Danielyan said their meeting signaled the start of cooperation and we hope that we will have continued contact to work on many levels.
He said that Armenia is undergoing a restructuring of its judiciary and legal system and in this effort, Cyprus is a valuable example.
Noting that Cyprus is facing a difficult and complex situation as far as the application of international law on the island is concerned, Danielyan said the authorities are making every effort to uphold democracy throughout the country.
Cyprus has been divided since the 1974 Turkish invasion. UN-led efforts to reunite the country have so far failed, due to Turkey’s intransigent stance. The legal government of the Republic of Cyprus has been prevented from exercising its jurisdiction in the northern Turkish occupied part of the country.
Danielyan said there is an agreement to fight organised crime but “we are ready to promote more agreements to combat other forms of crime and have cooperation at all levels”.
He also stressed the need to further promote the agreement to avoid double taxation, something, which he said “will help economic cooperation between the two countries and will give Cypriot business people the opportunity to invest in Armenia and avoid double taxation.”
