OTTAWA, SEPTEMBER 2, NOYAN TAPAN. Sault MP Tony Martin will be in Armenia Sept. 6-10 joining a parliamentary delegation tour initiated by the Canada-Armenia friendship group, reported SooToday.com. A high level delegation comprising of representatives of the four major political parties of Canada starts an official visit to Yerevan on September 6 for bilateral discussions with the officials of the Republic of Armenia. The Canadian parliamentarians’ initiative highlights the growing strength in the friendship between the two countries. “I look forward to meeting with political, business, labour and community leaders to see firsthand how they deal with issues of human rights, poverty, and the environment,” Martin said. “Building relationships of understanding and learning from each other are an important part of creating peace and stability everywhere.” The visit facilitated by the Canadian Armenian community provides an opportunity for the members of parliament of Canada to familiarize themselves with the current and ongoing progress of the nation since the establishment of the country’s independence in 1991. As part of this working visit, the agenda includes meetings to promote deeper understanding of issues in the region, explore prospects for long term growth, and discuss development and co-operation. Other members of the Canadian Parliament participating in the visit are Harold Albrecht - Conservative and chairman of Canada-Armenia Association, Rob Oliphant - Liberal, Nicole Demers - Bloc Quebecois. In Armenia the group will be hosted by His Excellency Hovik Abrahamyan, speaker of the House of Parliament of the Republic of Armenia. Hagop Arlsanian and Mr. Hrag Tarakdjian will be accompanying the delegation to Yerevan. The prospects for this official visit demonstrate a strong affirmation of Canada’s consistent policy to promote friendship and understanding to seek opportunities for bi-lateral co-operation.

---