Armenia's Foreign Minister Enhances Ties with Netherlands through Strategic Visits

| News, Politics, Armenia

Armenia's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ararat Mirzoyan, undertook a comprehensive diplomatic mission in The Hague, Netherlands, from February 7 to February 9.

Starting on February 7, Mirzoyan met with Raymond de Roon, Chairman of the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs of the Dutch Parliament, alongside members representing a spectrum of parliamentary parties. During the meeting, Mirzoyan emphasized Armenia's commitment to democratic reforms and highlighted its progress, which has been recognized in international indexes. Discussions delved into Armenia's vision for establishing stability and peace in the South Caucasus, particularly regarding Armenia-Azerbaijan relations. Mirzoyan stressed the importance of clear commitments from both sides, including respect for territorial integrity and the inviolability of borders. He also introduced Armenia's "Crossroads of Peace" project, aimed at unblocking regional economic communications, which received attention from international partners.

Later that day, Mirzoyan participated in a round-table discussion at the Clingendael Institute of International Relations, a renowned think tank in the Netherlands. Here, he provided a comprehensive overview of the security situation in the South Caucasus and discussed Armenia's approach to the normalization process with Azerbaijan. Key topics included the negotiation process for a draft peace treaty and Armenia's stance on unblocking regional transport and economic communications.

On February 8, Mirzoyan held a significant meeting with Hanke Bruins Slot, the Dutch Minister of Foreign Affairs. Discussions focused on expanding the bilateral agenda between Armenia and the Netherlands, focusing on strengthening democracy and the rule of law. They also addressed Armenia's partnership with the European Union and the latest developments in the South Caucasus region.

Additionally, Mirzoyan met with Piotr Hofmański, the President of the International Criminal Court (ICC), to discuss Armenia's recent membership in the ICC and its commitment to combating impunity. The meeting highlighted Armenia's recognition of the imperative to address crimes against humanity and prevent continuous impunity. The day continued with an official welcoming ceremony at the International Criminal Court, commemorating Armenia's membership as the 124th signatory of the Rome Statute. The event, attended by dignitaries and representatives from various diplomatic missions, underscored Armenia's dedication to upholding international justice and human rights principles. On the same day, Mirzoyan also met with Päivi Kaukoranta, President of the Assembly of States Parties to the Rome Statute, to discuss further steps towards implementing the Rome Statute and strengthening cooperation in the ICC framework. Furthermore, Mirzoyan engaged in discussions with Fernando Arias, Director General of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), focusing on cooperation between Armenia and the OPCW in disarmament and non-proliferation efforts.

On February 9, Mirzoyan met with Joffrey van Leeuwen, the Dutch Minister of Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation. Discussions revolved around enhancing political dialogue and trade cooperation between Armenia and the Netherlands, as well as addressing the needs of displaced populations, particularly in the context of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

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