RA Acting Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sports Vahram Dumanyan today received Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Sweden to Armenia Patrick Svensson. The working meeting was also attended by ESCS Deputy Minister Arthur Martirosyan.

Welcoming the diplomat's visit to ESCS Ministry, Vahram Dumanyan expressed confidence that as a result of his activities and joint efforts, a new page of development will advance in the Armenian-Swedish relations. The ESCS Acting Minister highlighted the importance of implementing joint programs with the Swedish side in the scope of coordination of the Ministry and expressed willingness to take the necessary steps in this regard. “Implementing reforms in every sector is a priority in the post-war period for us. In this regard, we attach importance to close cooperation with Sweden and the exchange of experience. The sectors under the coordination of the Ministry provide an opportunity for a wider range of cooperation. We are ready to enhance our partnership and make them more efficient,” noted the Minister.

Highlighting the experience of the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA), Acting Minister Vahram Dumanyan suggested to consider the possibility of cooperation with it in the directions of development of early childhood, universal inclusive and vocational education. Vahram Dumanyan also noted that there is a great potential in the Armenian-Swedish relations to enhance the quality and efficiency for implementation of joint inter-university, research and student graduation projects, as well as "Erasmus+" programs.

Thankful for the reception Ambassador Patrick Svensson responded positively to the proposals. The diplomat noted that he is glad to have the opportunity to carry out activities in Armenia and emphasized that the Swedish side is also ready to expand the scope of cooperation.

During the meeting, the ESCS Acting Minister drew the Ambassador's attention to the issue of preserving the Armenian cultural heritage in the territories that came under the control of Azerbaijan, and suggested considering the possibility of creating a monitoring group, as a result of which Azerbaijan will refrain from distorting and destroying the Armenian cultural heritage. In this context, V. Dumanyan expressed confidence that the activities of the Swedish Foreign Minister, OSCE Chairperson-in-Office Ann Linde will contribute to the settlement of the issue. Ambassador Patrick Svensson noted that the issue is in the scope of their attention and everything possible is done to achieve tangible results in this and other unresolved issues related to the conflict.

Issues of mutual interest were also touched upon at the meeting by the sides. An agreement was reached to take practical steps upon the issues discussed.