ArmInfo. On December 2, within the framework of the OSCE Ministerial Conference, Foreign Minister of Armenia Ararat Mirzoyan held meetings with his Finnish and Dutch counterparts, Pekka Haavisto Olavi and Ben Knapen, reports the press service of the RA Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
At their meeting Ararat Mirzoyan and Pekka Haavisto Olavi discussed the prospects of expanding the Armenian-Finnish bilateral agenda, emphasizing the need for promoting high-level reciprocal visits and consultations between the Foreign Ministries.
In the context of further deepening the cooperation in the trade and economic spheres, the steps aimed at promoting business contacts between the two countries and creating new opportunities were stressed. During the meeting, a number of issues on regional security and stability were touched upon. Ararat Mirzoyan presented to the interlocutor the situation resulting from the aggressive actions of Azerbaijan, emphasizing the importance of targeted response of the international community for de-escalation of the situation. In the context of urgent humanitarian issues, the need for repatriation of Armenian prisoners of war, hostages and other detainees was especially emphasized.
The sides also discussed issues related to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. Ararat Mirzoyan commended the consistent position of Finland, supportive to the efforts of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs for a comprehensive and lasting resolution of the conflict.
At their meeting Ararat Mirzoyan and his Dutch counterpart Ben Knapen commended the positive dynamics of the development of Armenian-Dutch friendly relations.
Ararat Mirzoyan presented to his counterpart the situation resulting from the infiltration of the armed forces of Azerbaijan into the sovereign territory of the Republic of Armenia, as well as its recent aggression. In the context of addressing the humanitarian issues resulting from the Azerbaijani aggression against Artsakh, the importance of unconditional repatriation of Armenian prisoners of war, hostages and others detained was emphasized. The issue of the protection of Armenian historical and cultural heritage in the territories of Artsakh fallen under the Azerbaijani control was also touched upon. Minister Mirzoyan expressed gratitude to the Dutch side for the support and the principled position of the Dutch Parliament during the Azerbaijani aggression unleashed against Artsakh, as well as for raising this issue by the Government on bilateral and multilateral platforms.
A comprehensive settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict through peaceful negotiations under the mandate of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairmanship was emphasized.