Armenian President Armen Sarkissian and Thales Group Vice President Paul Remi sat down in Yerevan today and discussed possible cooperation ventures, this according to an Armenian government press release.

Sarkissian said Armenia is a country of great innovative potential and pointed to the numerous start-ups now appearing.

“After the changes, Armenia has become a younger country. People are enthusiastic and are seeking solutions. We have a high level of education,” said Sarkissian, naming the colleges and universities that operate in Armenia.

He noted that Armenia can serve as a bridge to the markets of Russia and Kazakhstan for Thales, a French multinational company with revenues of some €16 billion that designs and builds electrical systems and provides services for the aerospace, defense, transportation and security markets.

Remi thanked Sarkissian for the suggestions of cooperation and agreed that Armenia could serve as a bridge to Central Asian markets.

Sarkissian said that he is confident that once Remi tours the country, visiting businesses and schools, the Thales VP will grasp Armenia’s potential.

Photo (from left): Armen Sarkissian, Paul Remi