FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, September 1st, 2010 Contact: Roupen Kouyoumdjian (B.Sc., M.Sc.)
Canadian Parliamentary Delegation visits Armenia to Further Strengthen Growing Friendship
Ottawa – A high level delegation comprised of representatives of the four major political parties of Canada will attend an official visit to Yerevan September 6 through 10, 2010 for bilateral discussions with the officials of the Republic of Armenia. The Canadian parliamentarians' initiative highlights the growing strength in the friendship between the two countries.
Members of Canadian Parliament participating in the visit are Harold Albrecht- Conservative and Chairman of Canada-Armenia Friendship Group, Rob Oliphant-Liberal, Nicole Demers-Bloc Quebecois, Tony Martin-New Democratic Party. In Armenia the group will be hosted by His Excellency Hovik Abrahamyan, Speaker of the Parliament of the Republic of Armenia.
The visit facilitated by the Canadian Armenian community provides an opportunity for the members of parliament of Canada to familiarize themselves with the current and ongoing progress of the nation since the establishment of the country's independence in 1991. As part of this working visit, the agenda includes meetings to promote deeper understanding of issues in the region, explore prospects for long term growth, and discuss development and co-operation. The Canadian Parliamentarians are committed to work at fostering improved relationships with the Republic of Armenia.
As Chair of the Canada-Armenia Friendship Group, Mr. Harold Albrecht, Conservative Member of Parliament for Kitchener-Conestoga - in the Region of Waterloo, possesses a deep appreciation of the Armenians and their difficult journey, and considers this trip as an opportunity "to better understand not only the issues of the past but to grasp the current opportunities and challenges that face Armenia".
Mr. Rob Oliphant, Liberal Member of Parliament for Don Valley West views this visit as an occasion to build bridges between the two countries "forging relationships that will be prosperous in every way for both countries."
Mme. Nicole Demers, Bloc Quebecois Member of Parliament for Laval said she "looks forward to once again visiting Armenia and building on her knowledge" from this new experience.
Mr. Tony Martin, NDP Member of Parliament for Sault Ste. Marie looks forward to meeting with political, business, labour and community leaders to see first hand how they deal with issues of poverty, the environment and human rights. He sees "building relationships of understanding and learning from each other are an important part of creating peace and stability everywhere."
Hagop Arlsanian and Hrag Tarakdjian will be accompanying the delegation to Yerevan.
The prospects for this official visit demonstrate a strong affirmation of Canada's consistent policy to promote friendship and understanding to seek opportunities for bi-lateral co-operation.
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The ANCC is the largest and the most influential Canadian-Armenian grassroots political organization. Working in coordination with a network of offices, chapters, and supporters throughout Canada and affiliated organizations around the world, the ANCC actively advances the concerns of the Canadian-Armenian community on a broad range of issues.
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Le CNAC est l'organisation politique canadienne-arménienne la plus large et influentielle. Collaborant avec une série de bureaux, chapitres et souteneurs à travers le Canada et des organisations affiliées à travers le monde, le CNAC s'occupe activement des inquiétudes de la communauté canadienne-arménienne.