While welcoming Micheline Calmy-Rey's first visit to Armenia, the Armenian Minister noted that there exists an extensive and active dialogue between Armenia and Switzerland.

During the meeting, Minister Oskanian broached the issue of intensifying Armenia-Switzerland relations, particularly in the economic, cultural and humanitarian spheres. He expressed his satisfaction with the invitation to Armenian businessmen to participate in the Swiss Invest Forum launched in Zurich on June 12.

The two focused on deepening cooperation in the framework of international organizations, specifically given Switzerland's capacity as full member of the United Nations and a newly-elected member of the Human Rights Council of the United Nations.

Minister Oskanian noted with appreciation Switzerland's assistance to Armenia in the process of development, particularly through the involvement of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation in specific programs, including a Tsakhkadzor development program. He also invited Switzerland to consider its contribution in the initiative of the Republic of Armenia targeted at developing Armenian's rural areas.

The Swiss Minister assured their readiness to keep on launching and implementing different programs in Armenia. This year, the Swiss State Council has allocated 4 million Swiss francs to this end. About activating bilateral economic relations, Minister Calmy-Rey expressed confidence that the Convention for the avoidance of double taxation just signed between the Swiss Confederation and the Republic of Armenia, will boost the business contacts of the two countries.

On the guest's request, Minister Oskanian briefed the delegation on the Nagorno Karabakh conflict settlement process, the present status of Armenia-Turkey relations, as well as the demolition of cross-stones (khachkars) in the Armenian cemetery in Julfa, Azerbaijan, and Armenia's appeals to the international community, specifically to the Council of Europe, OSCE and UNESCO.