ArmInfo.Both Armenia and the EU aim to work together to deepen and strengthen bilateral relations. Armenian Foreign Minister Zohrab Mnatsakanyan said this at a joint press conference with Dutch Foreign Minister Stef Blok on January 23 when he answered a question about a possible change in the nature of Armenia-EU relations due to changes in the leadership of the structure.
"The depth of relations between Armenia and the EU is so great, the bilateral agenda is so vast, so close ties have been formed over the years that the nature of these relations cannot be changed in one day. Both we and the EU aim to work together to deepen and strengthen these relations,"said the Armenian minister.
At the same time, the Minister noted that high-level contacts with the new leadership in Brussels will continue in a natural way, and the issue has never been raised for the Armenian side from a different perspective. Meanwhile, to clarify the position of the Netherlands on the liberalization of the visa regime with Armenia, Stef Blok, in turn, noted that this is a European process, the European Commission should evaluate it, and the Dutch government will take this into account.
He also touched on the political processes in Armenia, and expressed admiration for what is happening in the Republic. "The Armenian people decide their own future. It's not for me to judge, but the fact is that the Netherlands has always supported the freedom of speech and human rights. I hope that the Armenian people will continue the process," Blok said.
To which Mnatsakanyan reacted, noted that the protection of human rights for Armenia is one of the most important areas. "Armenia is a member of a number of relevant international structures, and it develops cooperation with the Netherlands in this area. Prevention of violations is very important for Armenia, and Armenia and the Netherlands have common approaches in this matter," the minister said.