Minister Hakob Simidyan received Astrid Schomaker, Executive Secretary of the UN Convention on Biological Diversity.
A delegation led by Astrid Schomaker, Executive Secretary of the UN Convention on Biological Diversity, has arrived in the Republic of Armenia, the host country of the upcoming UN Conference on Biological Diversity, to familiarize themselves with the preparations for the conference.
After welcoming Ms. Schomaker to the Republic of Armenia, the Minister highlighted the work already undertaken by the Committee established by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan to organize and host the 17th Session of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity. The Minister also emphasized that the country is making significant efforts to ensure the conference is held successfully and to present itself to the world in the best possible light.
Ms. Schomaker, in her turn, noted that these efforts should be intensified, as this is a key opportunity to showcase the Republic of Armenia, its biodiversity, and the steps taken to preserve it.
Before addressing the agenda items of the meeting, the parties summarized the participation of the Armenian delegation in the resumed session of the 16th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP16) held in Rome.
During the meeting, the discussion focused on reviewing and updating the targets of the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan, the methods and formats of cooperation with the Secretariat in organizing the 17th Conference of the Parties, along with upcoming events and their schedules.
Astrid Schomaker reaffirmed the Secretariat's readiness to support the Republic of Armenia in its organizational efforts.
The issue of ensuring synergy between UN conventions was also raised. The Minister noted that Armenia is actively working in this regard.
At the end of the meeting, the parties agreed to continue their cooperation, contribute to the achievement of common goals, and find solutions to existing challenges through joint efforts.