Pavel praises Armenia’s efforts to reduce dependence on Russia

President Petr Pavel has praised Armenia’s efforts to expand its economic and security ties with other countries and reduce its dependence on Russia.

Speaking after talks with Armenian President Vahagn Khachaturyan at Prague Castle, Pavel said the two presidents had also discussed the security situation in the South Caucasus, Armenia’s relations with the European Union and prospects for further bilateral cooperation.

Pavel said there was scope for expanding Czech-Armenian cooperation in areas including advanced technologies, energy and the security industry.

President Khachaturyan said his visit was a good opportunity to highlight the friendship between the two countries. Their relations, he said, were based on mutual respect, with a commitment to democracy serving as their most important pillar.