RA MFA: OSCE Minsk Group plays a key role in promoting the peace  process and normalizing relations with Azerbaijan

ArmInfo. Armenian-Polish relations are based on centuries-old friendship, common principles and values between our two peoples.  In this regard, we highly  appreciate Poland's support for the ongoing democratic reforms  implemented by the Government of Armenia.

This was stated by Foreign Minister of Armenia Ararat Mirzoyan during a press statement  following a meeting with Foreign Minister of Poland Zbigniew Rau.   Thus, according to the press service of the RA MFA, Mirzoyan noted in  his speech, in particular:  "I am delighted to be in Poland in the  year of the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic  relations between our countries. These three decades have been years  of progress, mutual trust and understanding, which provided a solid  foundation for the consistent development and strengthening of our  interstate relations and political dialogue.  Armenian-Polish  relations are based on centuries-old friendship, common principles  and values between our two peoples. In this regard, we highly  appreciate Poland's support for the ongoing democratic reforms  implemented by the Government of Armenia.

Today, during the discussions with my colleague, we touched upon the  prospects of expanding cooperation between Armenia and Poland in  areas of mutual interest. We have expressed our readiness to  undertake steps towards the utilization of the great potential in  Armenian-Polish economic relations, for which we have a strong legal  and contractual framework of about 30 documents and an effective  working platform - the Armenian-Polish Intergovernmental Commission  for Economic Cooperation, the 7th session of which is scheduled to be  held in Yerevan in the near future. 

Of course, the volume of trade turnover between Armenia and Poland is  not high, but we can commend that we have a gradual increase in this  direction. We consider information technologies, pharmaceuticals,  agribusiness and renewable energy to be promising areas for the  activation of Armenian-Polish economic cooperation.

We also exchanged views on issues of Armenia-EU partnership agenda.  We referred to the implementation of the Armenia-EU Comprehensive and  Enhanced Partnership Agreement and the steps towards further  increasing the efficiency of the Eastern Partnership. In this regard,  Poland, as one of the initiating countries of the Eastern  Partnership, is an important actor for us, and we expect further  expansion of cooperation in this direction.

Of course, a number of issues of regional stability and security were  at the core of our discussions today. We touched upon our cooperation  within the framework of the OSCE, where Poland is currently chairing.  I presented to Mr. Rau in detail the position of  Armenia regarding  the processes aimed at establishing regional peace and stability.

I emphasized the key role of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairmanship in  the promotion of the peace process aimed at the comprehensive and  lasting settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and the  normalization of relations with Azerbaijan.

Dear attendees, Unfortunately I have to underscore that despite  Armenia's efforts, we continue to encounter the provocative actions  of Azerbaijan towards Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh, warmongering and  expansionist statements aimed at undermining regional stability and  peace.

Moreover, violating the norms of international humanitarian law and  the November 9 trilateral Statements, Azerbaijan continues to hold  Armenian PoWs and civilians hostage, using them as a tool for  political speculation. In this regard, the continued support of the  international community and the OSCE Chairmanship, committed to human  rights and humanitarian principles is important for solving this  problem.

The policy implemented by the leadership of Azerbaijan aimed at the  destruction, desecration and distortion of identity of the Armenian  historical, cultural and religious heritage of Artsakh in the  territories fallen under Azerbaijani control is also unacceptable. In  this regard, we expect a clear, targeted and continuous response from  the international community and emphasize the urgency of the  involvement of relevant international organizations in  Nagorno-Karabakh. 

Once again, I want to emphasize that opening an era of peaceful  development for Armenia and the region is our principle and strategy,  and we hope that the OSCE, together with the institute of the OSCE  Chairman-in-Office, will use all the mechanisms in its toolkit to  ensure a constructive atmosphere and create conditions for  comprehensive peace.

I will conclude my speech with this. Dear Mr. Rau, thank You once  again for the warm welcome and fruitful discussions,"the RA FM  concluded.