Armenian-Israeli relations based not only on common fates - Israeli MP

TEL AVIV. - Israeli MP Rabbi Michael Ben-Ari has congratulated the people of Armenia on the occasion of 20th anniversary of independence.

"I cordially congratulate the Armenian people on the 20th anniversary of Independence of the Republic of Armenia. I wish you success and prosperity, security and strength of spirit to preserve the independence forever, despite all the problems and threats our people face in shaky and unstable regions of the world," reads the letter of the MP, sent to the President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan.
 
Israeli MP expressed hope that relations between Armenia and Israel are based not only on the common fate, marked by disasters - the Holocaust of Jewish people during Nazi regime and the Turkish Genocide of Armenians, and not only on the willingness to help each other in times of natural disasters - as it was after the earthquake in Armenia in 1988, but also on mutual understanding on development of nation states and the protection of national interests.

Armenia, Israel expand cooperation in agriculture

 Armenia and Israel are going to sign a cooperation agreement in agriculture, Israel’s Knesset MP, Minister of Agriculture Orit Noked said in Yerevan.

“I’m sure we will not only sign a cooperation agreement, but also manage to implement all its provisions,” Israeli minister said during the meeting with her Armenian counterpart Sergo Karapetyan on April 16 thanking him for a warm reception.

Noked invited Karapetyan to visit Israel in May voicing hope that the Armenian minister will come to their country despite the upcoming parliamentary elections in Armenia on May 6. Israeli MP said she is going to visit Armenia again in fall 2012.

The Israeli official further noted that the parties agreed to create a working group for a follow-up of the issues discussed within the framework of the bilateral cooperation.

For his part, Minister Karapetyan said he discussed several issues with his Israeli counterpart, in particular, development of cattle-breeding and fishery, in the context of exchange of experience and application of modern technologies, as well as development of greenhouse facilities. The agenda included consultation and staff training issues as well.

“Our relations with Israel were not quite developed yet, and the minister’s visit will promote further expansion and deepening of these ties,” Karapetyan emphasized highlighting the importance of cooperation in other branches of economy as well.

The Israeli delegation will also meet the Armenian Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan and Catholicos of All Armenians His Holiness Karekin II.

Besides, the delegates will visit Yerevan Brandy Company, Matenadaran (the museum-institute of ancient manuscripts), and lay a wreath to the Armenian Genocide memorial.