Armenian President Serzh Sarkisian met with Belgian parliamentarians on September 1, 2016. (Photo: president.am)
YEREVAN (Armenpress)—Armenian President Serzh Sarkisian received the delegation led by Els Van Hoof, MP of the Chamber of Representatives of the Kingdom of Belgium, and Head of the Belgium-Armenia parliamentary friendship group, said the presidential press service.
The President welcomed the guests to Armenia and highlighted the importance of the role of the parliamentary diplomacy and strengthening inter-state relations. Sarkisian stated that Belgium is perceived as a friendly and reliable partner in Armenia, and expressed hope that the Belgian parliamentarians’ visit to Armenia will boost bilateral relations and cooperation in various fields.
Sarkisian welcomed the MPs’ visit to Nagorno-Karabakh as well where they will have a chance to directly get acquainted with the essence of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and better understand the Artsakh people’s aspirations, concerns, everyday life and its achievements over the past 25 years.
Sarkisian expressed gratitude toward the Belgian leadership and people for recognizing the Armenian Genocide stating that the Armenian people appreciate this step and accept it as Belgium’s firm commitment over the condemnation and prevention of genocide.
At their meeting, both sides highlighted the parliamentary active contacts and the activity of the friendship group aimed to strengthen and deepen relations between Armenia and Belgium.
Sarkisian awarding Belgian MP Georges Dallemagne with the Medal of Gratitude (Photo: president.am)
At the meeting, Sarkisian awarded Belgian MP Georges Dallemagne with a Medal of Gratitude for his significant input on the development of the Armenian-Belgian friendly ties and expansion of the parliamentary cooperation between Armenia and Belgium. Sarkisian said Dallemagne has also worked in Armenia in 1988 as a doctor after the devastating earthquake.
Dallemagne said this medal is a great honor for him and that for 28 years, Armenia is in his heart, and is ready to contribute to the development of Armenia and its people.
Armenia’s Parliamentary Speaker Galust Sahakyan meeting with the Belgian delegation (Photo: parliament.am)
On the same day, Armenia’s Parliamentary Speaker Galust Sahakyan received the Belgian delegation.
Welcoming the guests, the Sahakyan highlighted the advancement of interaction and dialogue between legislative bodies of the two countries, which, in turn, promotes the development of inter-state relations.
Sahakyan expressed gratitude toward the Belgian legislatures for recognizing the Armenian Genocide in 2015.
He welcomed the Belgian MPs upcoming visit to Nagorno-Karabakh.
“These visits neutralize the information isolation of Nagorno-Karabakh and make the Karabakh people’s voice heard in Europe, who strives for the recognition of freedom, justice and right to self-determination,â€
