14:49,

YEREVAN, 22 AUGUST, ARMENPRESS. Belgium’s Foreign Minister Hadja Lahbib has said that her government’s decision to open an embassy in Armenia is a “powerful gesture” showing how much importance they attach to political relations with Armenia.

Hadja Lahbib, the first Belgian foreign minister to visit Armenia in the past eight years, said at a joint press conference with her Armenian counterpart Ararat Mirzoyan that the two countries have rich diplomatic relations. She mentioned that 30,000 Armenians live in Belgium.

Speaking about the decision to open an embassy in Yerevan, the Belgian FM said, “This powerful gesture shows how much we value our political relations. We are willing to further expand relations in all areas.”

Lahbib said she was moved during her visit to the Tsitsernakaberd Memorial to commemorate the victims of the Armenian Genocide. She said that mankind must never forget the Armenian Genocide and do everything to avoid its repetition.

Lahbib added that Belgian and Armenian businesses are willing to cooperate. A delegation of the Wallonia trade agency will visit Armenia in October, followed by other delegations. The Belgian FM noted that the Armenia-EU CEPA is already showing results in human rights protection and good governance.

“Armenia is committed to continue reforms, eliminate all kinds of discriminations and more effectively combat corruption. Belgium and the EU will stand by Armenia on the path of implementing ambitious programs. The EU is already contributing to the development of the sustainable, innovative economy, supporting various startups and SMEs. We are also participating in the construction of the North-South road and the launch of a modern transport network in Yerevan. Belgium will assume EU presidency on January 1, 2024. Armenia is an important partner for Europeans, therefore, in this difficult and unstable global situation, Belgium wants to strengthen partnership with Armenia,” FM Lahbib said.