New South Africa envoy submits credentials to Armenian leader

Christian Albertus Basson, the newly-appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of South Africa to Armenia, on Tuesday handed over his credentials to President Serzh Sargsyan.

The president congratulated the ambassador on his appointment and underscored that Armenia attaches importance to the promotion of friendly and mutually beneficial relations with African countries, including the Republic of South Africa. Serzh Sargsyan expressed hope that during his tenure, Ambassador Christian Albertus Basson will make every effort to intensify bilateral contacts and improve interstate relations, reports the presidential press services.

The sides agreed that although Armenia and the Republic of South Africa established diplomatic relations back in 1992, the current level of collaboration is far from being desirable. The Armenian president and the South African ambassador noted that there are considerable potential and good prospects for the enhancement of trade and economic ties in areas such as agriculture, mining, jewelry etc.

The Armenian president expressed satisfaction with the cooperation of the two countries within the frame of international organizations, especially the UN, and attached importance to the balanced position adopted by the Republic of South Africa on the issues, e.g. the Nagorno-Karabakh peace process, which are of crucial importance to Armenia.

At the end of the meeting, the president wished the ambassador success in his high and responsible office to strengthen and develop relations between the two countries.