Armenia, Bulgaria discuss prospects for cooperation in environmental  protection, climate change, and sustainable development

ArmInfo.  Armenian Ambassador to Bulgaria Tsovinar Hambardzumyan and Bulgarian Minister of Environment and Water Resources Rositsa Karamfilova discussed  opportunities for developing bilateral cooperation in environmental  protection, climate change, and sustainable development at a meeting  in Sofia.

According to the press service of the Armenian Embassy in Bulgaria,  the parties emphasized the traditionally good and friendly relations  between Bulgaria and Armenia, as well as the importance of the  historical and cultural ties between the two peoples.

The parties emphasized the significance of the Declaration on  Strategic Partnership signed in May between the two countries, which  creates an additional foundation for further deepening cooperation in  all areas of mutual interest. Karamfilova noted that Bulgaria is  ready to share its experience and knowledge as a member state of the  European Union in Armenia's approach to European standards and the  implementation of European legislation.

The potential for cooperation in a regional format, including through  the Organization of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation, was also  discussed.

The Armenian Ambassador presented in detail the preparatory work for  the 17th Conference of the Parties to the UN Convention on Biological  Diversity (COP17), its main areas and priorities, particularly  emphasizing the importance of Bulgaria's active participation.  Ambartsumyan also emphasized the priority of biodiversity  conservation and restoration for Armenia.

Karamfilova congratulated Armenia on the preparations for and the  upcoming hosting of the 17th Conference of the Parties to the UN  Convention on Biological Diversity in Yerevan, emphasizing the  importance of active participation in global processes and  multilateral formats to achieve shared environmental goals.

During the conversation, the parties expressed their readiness to  continue dialogue on issues of mutual interest.