ArmInfo. On October 21, Minister of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure of the Republic of Armenia Suren Papikyan received the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Federal Republic of Germany Michael Johannes Banzhaf.
According to the press service of the Ministry, congratulating the ambassador on his appointment, the minister expressed confidence that the diplomatic activities of Ambassador Banzhaf in Armenia will contribute to the expansion of successful Armenian-German cooperation and, in particular, the implementation of joint programs in the field of infrastructure development.
During the meeting, the interlocutors discussed issues of mutual interest related to energy, solid waste management and landfill construction, water sector reforms and water management projects. In this context, Minister Papikyan emphasized joint lending programs financed by the German Development Bank (KfW), emphasizing the need to ensure their continuity. Touching upon the administrative-territorial reforms, Suren Papikyan praised the support provided to Armenia by the German government and the GIZ within the framework of the Good Local Government in the South Caucasus program. He noted that with the support of GIZ 52 enlarged communities in the country have increased their capabilities, thanks to which good results have already been achieved in the acquisition of agricultural machinery, the provision of advisory and administrative services, and providing citizens with access to services. Noting the importance of the meeting, the ambassador assured that the German government is interested in the success of the reforms in Armenia, and reiterated its readiness to jointly contribute to strengthening the Armenian-German cooperation in these areas.