12:51, 16 November 2023

YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 16, ARMENPRESS. Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirozyan has met with his Belgian counterpart Hadja Lahbib in Brussels.

As a follow-up to their meeting in Yerevan in August, FM Mirzoyan and FM Lahbib comprehensively discussed bilateral relations, Armenia-EU partnership expansion, current projects and the regional agenda.

The foreign ministers were pleased to note the high-level political dialogue and the opening of the resident embassy of Belgium in Yerevan. They also discussed issues concerning strengthening cooperation in trade, IT, culture, people-to-people contacts and other areas.

Both sides attached importance to the ongoing steps in the direction of strengthening Armenia-EU partnership.

The latest developments pertaining to regional security were also discussed.

Speaking about Armenia’s vision for establishing peace and security in South Caucasus, the Armenian Foreign Minister stressed the importance of strong support by the international community to the principles of the statement adopted during the Granada summit.

FM Mirzoyan presented the Crossroads of Peace project developed by the Armenian government, outlining its opportunities for countries in the region and beyond. Armenia’s eagerness in unblocking regional routes, based on principles of sovereignty and jurisdiction, reciprocity and equality, was reiterated.

FM Mirzoyan briefed his Belgian counterpart about the Armenian government’s crisis response measures for properly receiving the more than 100,000 forcibly displaced Armenians who've fled Nagorno-Karabakh as a result of Azerbaijan’s campaign of ethnic cleansing. He highlighted international support for addressing the needs and rights of the Armenian refugees of NK. The involvement of international organizations in the direction of protecting Armenian historic-cultural heritage in Nagorno-Karabakh was emphasized.