Meetings with the Special Representative of the Russian Federation

On July 21, Ararat Mirzoyan, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia, received Igor Khovaev, the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chair of the Russian Federation and the Special Representative of Foreign Minister of Russia on issues supporting the normalization of relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan, the Press Office of the Armenian Foreign Ministry reported.

"Ararat Mirzoyan reiterated the approaches of the Armenian side regarding the establishment of comprehensive stability in the South Caucasus and on the key issues in the normalization process of relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan. The imperative to address the rights and security issues of the people of Nagorno-Karabakh under the international mechanism was emphasized," the report added.

"The interlocutors thoroughly discussed the humanitarian crisis in Nagorno-Karabakh resulting from the illegal blockade of the Lachin corridor. The need for Azerbaijan to immediately lift the blockade of the Lachin corridor, according to the Trilateral statement of November 9, 2020, and the Orders of the UN Court of Justice of February 22 and July 6, was highlighted," the information said.

On the same day, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan received Igor Khovaev, the Press Office of the Armenian Prime Minister reported.

"The Prime Minister noted that today's meeting is taking place in the conditions of the deepening humanitarian crisis in Nagorno-Karabakh resulted from Azerbaijan's illegal blocking of the Lachin Corridor, emphasizing the importance of consultations on the created situation and the normalization process of Armenia-Azerbaijan relations," the report added.

Political consultations between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of Armenia and China

On July 21, regular political consultations between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of Armenia and the People's Republic of China (PRC) were held in Beijing. Deputy Foreign Minister Mnatsakan Safaryan headed the Armenian delegation, and Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Ma Zhaoxu led the Chinese delegation.

"During the consultations, the parties discussed a wide range of bilateral regional and international agenda issues, including cooperation within the framework of international organizations. Deputy Foreign Minister Mnatsakan Safaryan presented Azerbaijan's policy of using force against Nagorno-Karabakh and Armenia, which undermines the Armenian side's efforts to maintain peace and stability in the South Caucasus. The Deputy Minister presented the details of the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Nagorno-Karabakh as a result of the illegal blockade of the Lachin Corridor by Azerbaijan and the threat of ethnic cleansing of the people of Nagorno-Karabakh," the report added.

Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Ma Zhaoxu emphasized that China supports the sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of Armenia, underscoring that the settlement of conflicts through peaceful negotiations is the key to maintaining peace and security in the region. The Armenian side reiterated its support for the One China principle.

Both sides commended the dynamics of bilateral cooperation in the trade, economic, cultural, and educational spheres. They discussed issues regarding the development and deepening of cooperation in connectivity, investments, tourism, and air communication.

Ararat Mirzoyan received the newly-appointed Ambassador of Iran

On July 22, Ararat Mirzoyan received Mehdi Sobhani, the newly-appointed Ambassador of Iran to Armenia, on the occasion of handing over copies of his credentials.

During the meeting, several issues on the comprehensive Armenian-Iranian agenda were discussed. The interlocutors commended the dynamically developing Armenian-Iranian political dialogue, emphasizing the importance of mutual visits at a high level. The sides touched upon the deepening of bilateral cooperation in trade, economic, energy, and transport spheres and the steps towards implementing the ongoing and envisaged programs.

Touching upon the latest discussions on the normalization of relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan, Ararat Mirzoyan stressed that the efforts of the Armenian side are aimed at establishing lasting peace in the South Caucasus.