Hambardzum Matevosyan, Minister of Environment of the RA, met with Petr Pirunčík, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Czech Republic to Armenia.
The interlocutors discussed a wide range of sectoral issues. Reference was made to the two-year Twinning Programme “Strengthened Protection and Sustainable Use of Biodiversity in Armenia in Line with European Standards,” coordinated by the Ministry of Environment of the RA and funded by the European Union. The programme was jointly implemented by the Czech Republic and the Republic of Finland.
Minister Matevosyan noted that the programme represents an important contribution to strengthening Armenia’s environmental management system, particularly in the fields of biodiversity conservation and effective management of specially protected areas. He emphasized that the new legislative approaches and management mechanisms developed within the framework of the Twinning Programme will support the effective implementation of the commitments undertaken under the RA–EU Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement (CEPA).

During the meeting, the parties discussed the possibilities for ensuring the continuity of the programme and for deepening future cooperation. In this context, they touched upon collaboration and joint initiatives within the framework of the 17th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (#COP17). Ambassador Pirunčík highly appreciated the partnership established between Armenia and the Czech Republic in the field of environmental protection, emphasizing that the Czech Republic stands ready to continue supporting Armenia’s environmental reforms, particularly in aligning with EU standards and advancing the principles of sustainable development.
During the meeting, the parties also discussed mechanisms for involving non-governmental organizations and the private sector in the effective implementation of environmental policy, raising public awareness, and strengthening participatory governance. Hambardzum Matevosyan and Petr Pirunčík expressed confidence that bilateral cooperation will contribute to the institutional development of Armenia’s environmental sector, the exchange of international experience, and the expansion of joint initiatives in support of environmental protection and the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals.