Monday, December 11 2023 16:55

ArmInfo.On December 11, RA Minister of Foreign Affairs Ararat Mirzoyan participated in the  meeting in the format of the EU Council of Foreign Ministers at the invitation of the EU side. 

The discussion was attended by Vice-President of the European  Commission, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign  Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell, EU Commissioner for  Neighborhood and Enlargement Affairs Oliver Varhelyi, as well as the  heads of foreign affairs departments of all EU member states.

According to the press service of the Armenian Foreign Ministry, at  the meeting the Armenian Minister presented in detail the current  RA-EU partnership programs, steps aimed at further expanding and  deepening cooperation, as well as Yerevan's vision for establishing  lasting peace and stability in the region.  Ararat Mirzoyan spoke  about the progress and achievements of democratic reforms in the  Republic, emphasizing their constant support from the EU and close  cooperation with EU member states in targeted areas.

He also touched upon a number of key issues of the Armenia-EU  political dialogue and security, including the EU civil mission in  the country, thanking the Union states for supporting the mission's  activities and direct participation in it.

In the context of people-to-people contacts and Armenia's  rapprochement with the EU, FM Mirzoyan emphasized the importance of  making a final decision on starting a dialogue on visa  liberalization.  Ararat Mirzoyan also touched upon the ambitious  Armenia-EU agenda in economic and other fields, key programs of the  RA-EU economic and investment plan, issues of participation of the EU  countries in them, as well as ensuring the inclusiveness of regional  initiatives. Among other things, considering the joint statement of  the Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia and the European  Commission made in October, the importance of Armenia's accession to  the Black Sea energy cable was emphasized.

Continuing the topics of regional significance, the head of the  foreign policy department presented Armenia's efforts aimed at  establishing peace in the region, the process of normalizing  relations with Azerbaijan and the main approaches to the draft peace  treaty, corresponding to well-known principles.  As part of the peace  agenda in the region, Ararat Mirzoyan touched upon the Crossroads of  Peace project developed by the RA government, its individual  components, emphasizing its importance not only in the South  Caucasus, but also in the wider region, in the context of expanding a  stable network of infrastructures connecting the East with the West.

During the meeting, an exchange of views on a wide range of issues of  interest to the foreign ministers of the EU member states took place.

On the sidelines of the EU Ministerial Council, Mirzoyan held an  informal meeting with his Greek counterpart Giorgos Gerapetritis. 

He also talked with Hadja Lahbib, Belgian Minister of Foreign  Affairs, European Affairs, Foreign Trade and the Federal Cultural  Institutions .

Hadja Lahbib wrote about the meeting on her X page, in particular:  "Good to meet with Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan  on the  sidelines of the FAC. We reaffirmed the EU's strong political support  for Armenia and explored opportunities to enhance cooperation,  fostering sustained peace in the region."

Mirzoyan also met with Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius  Landsbergis.

The Armenian-Lithuanian bilateral agenda was touched upon, as well as  conceptual issues of the RA-EU partnership. Both sides emphasized  their readiness for close interaction on the EU platform and a closer  approach of Armenia to the European integration body.

In continuation of the discussion that took place on the same day in  the format of the EU Council of Foreign Ministers, the foreign  ministries of Armenia and Lithuania also exchanged views on issues of  regional security and stability. Mirzoyan emphasized the importance  of strong support from international partners for Armenia's efforts  to implement the peace agenda.