National News Agency Lebanon (NNA)
October 20, 2018 Saturday
Aoun holds talks with visiting Armenian PM
NNA – President of the Republic, Michel Aoun, met Saturday with Armenian Prime Minister, Nikol Pashinyan, with talks centering on ways of promoting bilateral relations, activating the work of the joint governmental committee and recent regional developments.
Aoun welcomed Pashinyan at Baabda Palace this morning upon his arrival in Beirut on a 2-day visit, accompanied by an official Armenian delegation.
During their encounter, Aoun congratulated the Armenian PM on the success of the Francophone Summit held in Yerevan last week, thanking him for the warm hospitality extended to members of the Lebanese delegation attending the Summit.
He also praised the bilateral relations existing between the two countries, appreciating Armenia's contribution to the UNIFIL peacekeeping forces in the South. He stressed on the active role played by the Lebanese Armenians in their country's political and economic life, especially as they constitute a bridge of communication with Armenia.
The President also highlighted the importance of the agreements held between Lebanon and Armenia, calling for the conclusion of other pending agreements. Moreover, Aoun briefed Pashinyan on Lebanon's initiative of establishing the "Academy of Encounter and Dialogue", hoping that Armenia would be among the first states to sign its establishment agreement.
Pashinyan, in turn, thanked Aoun for his warm welcome and for attending the Francophone Summit in Yerevan, emphasizing the importance of the role played by Lebanon in the Francophone Organization.
The Armenian PM also stressed on strengthening Lebanese-Armenian bilateral relations, especially in the economic field, hoping for more coordination and collaboration between the relevant ministries of both countries.
Furthermore, Pashinyan expressed his country's support for Lebanon's decision to establish a "Human Academy for Encounter and Dialogue" which will allow for more communication between civilizations, religions and cultures. He said his country would continue to work within UNIFIL to maintain security and stability in the South of Lebanon, adding that the Armenian Defense Minister would visit his country's troops on the Lebanese border to confirm this support.
Touching on the mutual aspects shared between the Lebanese and Armenian peoples, PM Pashinyan hoped that the Lebanese-Armenian Joint Committee would hold a meeting soon to study the common issues and take appropriate decisions in favor of both countries.