OSCE Chairperson-in-Office concludes  her visit to Armenia

ArmInfo.The OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen,  has concluded her visit to Armenia.

The OSCE Press Service stated that the Chairperson-in-Office held  meetings with Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Foreign Minister  Ararat Mirzoyan in Yerevan.

It is noted that  Chairperson-in-Office Valtonen commended Armenia's  continued willingness to take further steps towards peace and the  normalization of relations with Azerbaijan. As OSCE Chair, Finland  put forward the decision to close the Minsk process and related  structures following the joint appeal of Armenia and Azerbaijan,  leading to the 1 September Ministerial Council decision approved by  all 57 participating States.

"The decision to close the Minsk process and its related structures  is an important milestone towards sustainable peace. It represents  the tangible results of agreements reached by Armenia and Azerbaijan  in pursuit of peace and the normalization of relations,"  Chairman-in-Office Valtonen said.

The Chairperson-in-Office also expressed readiness of the OSCE to  co-operate in areas where Armenia sees the Organization offering  added value.

"It remains crucial to expand people-to-people contacts across all  levels of society for reconciliation. The OSCE remains committed to  supporting efforts that bring lasting peace and stability to the  region, benefiting first and foremost the populations long affected  by conflict legacies," said Minister Valtonen.

Chair-in-Office Valtonen also engaged with representatives of civil  society and think tanks. She welcomed the open approach to the  Government shows to engage with the vibrant Armenian civil society.  As OSCE Chair, Finland stresses the importance of civil society as a  backbone of democracy.

Finland will also continue to prioritize gender equality and the  functioning of a free civil society, and work towards improving  opportunities of young people and persons with disabilities to  participate in the OSCE's work.