17:24, 4 July 2023
YEREVAN, JULY 4, ARMENPRESS. On July 4, the delegation led by the Speaker of Parliament of Armenia Alen Simonyan met with the Marshal of the Sejm of Poland Elżbieta Witek as part of an official visit to the country.
The parties stated that the meetings and discussions planned during the official visit will have their contribution to the promotion of bilateral cooperation, the parliament’s press service said in a readout.
Alen Simonyan noted that the peoples of the two countries are connected by centuries-old historical relations, reminding that last year marked the 655th anniversary of the formation of the Armenian community in Poland. He expressed gratitude for the care and attitude shown to Armenians at the state level in Poland.
The importance of inter-parliamentary cooperation, including friendship groups, in the expansion of bilateral relations was underlined.
The holding of joint sittings of the Committees on Foreign Relations of the Armenian National Assembly and the two chambers of the Polish Parliament was highlighted by both sides.
Emphasizing the opportunities for interaction on various international platforms, Speaker Alen Simonyan mentioned that as a co-author of the Eastern Partnership, Poland plays an active role in strengthening Armenia-EU relations, and Armenia expects Poland’s support in the effective implementation of the Agreement.
Touching upon the establishment of stability and security issues in the region, the President of the National Assembly presented details on the situation on the borders of Armenia and in Nagorno-Karabakh as a result of the Azerbaijani aggression. Simonyan reminded that since 12 December 2022, Azerbaijan has blocked Nagorno-Karabakh, grossly violating international humanitarian law and the Trilateral Statement of 9 November 2020, and also ignores the legally binding decision of the International Court of Justice against Azerbaijan in February 22. He attached great importance to the deployment of the EU Monitoring Mission (EUMA), which is favorable in terms of security, ensuring stability in the region and building trust on the ground. “We also know that in the middle of this year, Poland plans to expand the involvement of observers in the mission, which is very commendable,” the Speaker underscored. Alen Simonyan noted that during various meetings with all international partners, the Armenian authorities raise the necessity to impose sanctions on Azerbaijan and expect targeted responses.
Elżbieta Witek emphasized that parliamentary diplomacy ensures uninterrupted communication between parliaments, thanks to which accurate information about countries is obtained. Speaking of democratic values, Witek attached importance to accountability to the people, emphasizing the positions regarding international partners as well. In this context, the Marshal of the Polish Sejm opined on further multi-sectoral expansion of cooperation. Regarding the conflicts taking place in different parts of the world, Elżbieta Witek noted that Poles, regardless of political views and differences, always unite against aggression and for peace, making their voices heard.
The Speaker of Parliament of Armenia expressed hope that the voice of Poland will be heard in the matter of the development of democracy and establishment of peace in Armenia.
After the meeting, the members of the delegation took a tour the Parliament building.