ArmInfo.Armenian President Armen Sarkissian today received a delegation of the European Investment Bank, headed by Bank Vice President Vazil Hudak. The meeting was also attended by the head of the EU delegation to Armenia, Ambassador Andrea Victorin.
The EIB Vice President, presenting the programs implemented by the bank in Armenia, noted that they mainly concern infrastructures and are aimed at improving the quality of life in the country. Armen Sarkissian praised the cooperation with the bank, noting that successful programs are the best evidence of this. At the same time, the president suggested paying more attention to projects aimed at the future, expressing confidence that the future of Armenia is innovation and the latest technologies, cooperation in the field of artificial intelligence and mathematical modeling. In this context, he presented one of the presidential initiatives - the ATOM (Advanced Tomorrow) program, aimed at the development of technology and science in Armenia, which, among other components, aims to carry out research, educational programs, attracting large international technology companies to the republic in the field of information and high technology. "This will create the right environment and help young people learn from large companies," the president emphasized.
He proposed to consider the possibilities of cooperation within the framework of this program, in particular, the involvement of the bank. "I'm sure that the European Investment Bank will also have opportunities for cooperation," Vazil Hudak said.
The European Investment Bank is a public financial institution of the European Union for financing the development of backward European regions in the form of long-term loans. It was established in 1958 with the aim of providing loans for the construction and reconstruction of facilities that are of interest to the EU countries. The authorized capital is formed from contributions of the participating countries and amounts to 232.393 billion euros. The European Investment Bank accounts for 3.5% of the external debt of Armenia, which is about $ 904 million. The Bank participates in the solid waste recycling program in Armenia, in technical assistance to improve road safety and other infrastructure projects.