Karen Karapetyan: Armenian government is interested in activation of political dialog with Belgium

ArmInfo. The Armenian government is interested in activation of political dialog with Belgium and deepening of trade-economic relations and cooperation in educational and cultural sectors, Armenian Prime Minister Karen Karapetyan stated at the meeting with Belgian delegation headed by President of the Senate of the Kingdom of Belgium Christine Defraigne.

Karapetyan expressed assurance that the current visit will contribute to further strengthening and deepening of Armenian-Belgian relations, the press-service of the Armenian government informs.

The Prime Minister stressed that in the nearest future the Armenian government will present a package of investment programs to international partners via diplomatic missions abroad and various channels. In this context he added that Armenia attaches importance to work of AWEX and Armenian-Belgian trade chamber in expanding business contacts.

Karapetyan highly assessed both financial and professional technical assistance in creating state-of-the-art cancer center in Armenia, which will serve population not only of Armenia but the entire region.

President of the Senate of the Kingdom of Belgium Christine Defraigne in turn noted that although bilateral relations are on high level it is necessary to constantly expand bilateral cooperation in various fields, including in economy, IT, healthcare, education and culture.

Christine Defraigne expressed support of Belgium in development of Armenia-EU cooperation and stressed that Europe's doors are open for development and strengthening of cooperation with Armenia.

The interlocutors stressed the importance of Brussels Airlines company's entrance to Armenian market and expressed assurance that it will contribute to activation of relations between the countries and boost tourism. 

The sides also touched upon Nagorno-Karabakh settlement and international recognition of Armenian Genocide.

Karapetyan highly assessed Belgium's balanced stand on Nagorno-Karabakh issue, which is in line with common approaches of the European Union and welcomed visits by Belgian parliamentarians to Artsakh.  The Armenian Prime Minister highly assessed adoption of resolution on recognition and condemnation of the Armenian Genocide by Belgian Senate in 1998. In this light he added that adoption of similar resolution by the House of Representatives of Belgium in 2015 became the final stage in process of genocide recognition by Belgium.

Christine Defraigne stated about readiness to provide assistance to efforts of the OSCE MG co-chairs on peaceful settlement of Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and stressed the importance of ensuring long-lasting peace and security in the region.

To note, on July 23, the Belgian Parliament's House of Representatives passed the resolution on the Armenian Genocide almost unanimously - with 124 pros, 8 abstentions and no cons. To recall, in 1998 the Belgian Senate adopted a resolution on recognition of the Armenian Genocide, and urged the Government to take the same step.  Prime Minister of Belgium Charles Michel recognized the Armenian Genocide on June 18 this year.