President Sarkissian spoke on the phone with Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the United Arab Emirates Armed Forces

President Armen Sarkissian spoke yesterday on the phone with the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Suprement Commander of the UAE Armed Forces Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

During a cordial and friendly conversation, the President of Armenia and Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi exchanged information on the spread of the coronavirus in their respective countries and in the world, stressed the importance of direct contacts between the leadership of the two countries and exchange of ideas and opinions emanating from the situation.

President Sarkissian noted that he is aware of the preventive steps taken by the UAE authorities and said that preventive steps have been taken also in Armenia.

The interlocutors stressed the importance of a continued cooperation in this complicated and critical situation, exchange of information and experience between the two countries. President Sarkissian said that experience of the UAE is vital for Armenia. The Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi in his turn noted that his country is ready to assist Armenia in every possible way. The parties discussed also the opportunities of practical assistance.

The interlocutors spoke also of President Sarkissian’s visit to the United Arab Emirates last January and noted that all the agreements reached during the visit remain in force and are implemented.

President Sarkissian said that in the current situation, food security in the world remains a pressing issue. Cooperation in this area was viewed as a priority and agreement was reached to take practical steps aimed at making Armenia a regional platform. Discussed was also the ATOM (Advace Tomorrow) Presidential initiative, aimed at the development of science and technologies in Armenia. The program envisages in particular to bring to Armenia major information and hi-tech companies and make Armenia a leader in the area of artificial intelligence and mathematical modeling. This program was referred to by President Armen Sarkissian and Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan during their meeting in Abu Dhabi last January. They viewed as promising cooperation in the framework of this initiative as well as cooperation in general in the areas of innovation, information, and high technologies.