Armenia’s Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan received Astrid Schumaker, Executive Secretary of the UN Convention on Biological Diversity.
Minister Mirzoyan congratulated Astrid Schumaker on the successful holding of the 16th Meeting of the Parties to the Convention (COP16) in Rome, in which the Armenian delegation was also actively involved. The Armenian Foreign Minister noted that it is a great responsibility for Armenia to host the next COP17 conference, informing that a number of steps have already been taken for its successful organization.
Ararat Mirzoyan presented the ongoing work, emphasizing that it is being coordinated at the Government level, involving all interested circles. The Armenian Foreign Minister emphasized the effective and inclusive organization of the conference and the importance of close cooperation with international partners, including the Convention Secretariat, in this regard.
Astrid Schumaker noted: “It is very important for us to see Armenia’s advancement as a biodiversity pioneer on the global stage over the next two years. From today on, we are one team, we must work hand in hand to make COP17 a real success. We are very optimistic that it will be a successful conference and a wonderful opportunity for people from all over the world to discover Armenia and get acquainted with your culture.”
The sides emphasized the special importance of COP17, noting that it will be the first global review of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework developed under the Convention.
The interlocutors discussed the agenda of COP17, including the formation of substantive priorities, ensuring inclusiveness, as well as raising public awareness.
