On April 21, the deputies of the Civil Contract Faction of the National Assembly hosted the representatives of the Parliamentary Center (Canada) Ivo Balinov, Paul Belaille and Hovhannes Margaryants.
The guests discussed with the deputies the development process of the Operational Plan for 2023-2024 within the framework of the Strategic Plan aimed at developing the capacities of the NA staff.
During the discussion, the deputy Gevorg Papoyan underlined that there is necessity to apply new knowledge and experience of leading countries in various spheres in Armenia. In that context, the deputy informed that there is a decision to strengthen oversight capabilities of Parliament as well. In his speech, the representative of the Parliamentary Center (Canada) Paul Belaille highlighted the visit of the Armenian parliamentarians to Canada last year and noted that the proposals made by the Armenian deputies in Ottawa were included in the Operational Plan which is currently being developed.
“We returned from Canada with knowledge and positive memories,” Gevorg Papoyan mentioned at the meeting and stated that the Canadian experience is successfully applied in the National Assembly of Armenia.
Armenian-Canadian relations were also touched upon.
The deputy of the Civil Contract Faction Hasmik Hakobyan highly valued the political meetings held in Canada. According to the deputy, they had a very important reference in the local political statements during the closing of the Lachin Corridor and the blockade of Nagorno-Karabakh: The Parliament of Canada made clear calls, adopted motions and organized discussions.
In the context of the deepening of cooperation between the two countries, the parties considered the opening of the Canadian Embassy in Armenia to be a great achievement.