Meeting of Foreign Ministers of Armenia and Spain

On July 6, the Foreign Minister of Armenia Ararat Mirzoyan, who was in Madrid on a working visit, met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Spain José Manuel Albares Bueno, the Press Office of the Armenian Foreign Ministry reported. 

The interlocutors emphasized the promotion of the political dialogue and high-level reciprocal visits between the two countries, expressing readiness to undertake steps towards deepening the collaboration. They exchanged views on the full utilization of the existing potential of cooperation in the fields of trade and economy, industry, transport and infrastructure, renewable energy, and information technologies. The sides agreed that the organization of business forums and increasing business-to-business contacts would promote bilateral cooperation in these fields.

In terms of promoting people-to-people contacts, they emphasized strengthening ties in tourism. The parties noted the expansion of educational exchange programs and opportunities to study each other's language and culture in both countries. Foreign Minister Mirzoyan highly appreciated the decision of the Spanish Government to open a resident representation in Armenia, expressing a conviction that it will give a new impetus to interstate relations.

During the meeting, reference was made to the cooperation of the two countries on multilateral platforms, including within the framework of the Armenia-EU partnership.

They also discussed issues of regional security and stability. The Foreign Minister of Armenia briefed his Spanish counterpart on the situation in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict zone and the position of the Armenian side on the processes aimed at establishing peace and stability in the region, as well as on the normalization of relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

Ararat Mirzoyan emphasized the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairmanship's mediating role in promoting the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict's peace process and achieving a lasting solution. Minister José Manuel Albares Bueno underscored the support of Spain for the comprehensive resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict through peaceful negotiations.

Touching upon the humanitarian issues resulting from the “Azerbaijani aggression” against the [separatist] Nagorno-Karabakh, the Foreign Minister of Armenia emphasized that “in gross violation of international humanitarian law, Azerbaijan continues to hold Armenian prisoners of war and civilians hostage. Azerbaijan pursues its policy of destructing and distorting the identity of Armenian historical, cultural heritage in the territories fallen under its control, which are of universal value.”

Meeting of Ararat Mirzoyan with the President of Congress of Deputies of Spain

On July 5, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Armenia, Ararat Mirzoyan, held a meeting with the President of the Congress of Deputies of the Kingdom of Spain, Meritxell Batet, the Press Office of the Armenian Foreign Ministry reported.

The interlocutors discussed the current interstate cooperation based on historical relations and shared values of the two countries and peoples, as well as the prospects of developing political dialogue, economy, and culture. Regarding the enrichment of the bilateral agenda, the need for effective inter-parliamentary interaction and activation of relations between MPs, including through the work of friendship groups, was emphasized. The sides highlighted the importance of cooperation between the two countries' legislative bodies within international parliamentary platforms.

Ararat Mirzoyan presented to Meritxell Batet the reforms implemented in Armenia aimed at strengthening democracy, protecting human rights, promoting the rule of law, and effectively fighting against corruption. The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Armenia emphasized that since 2018, Armenia has followed the path of democracy. Despite the consequences of the war and the Covid-19 pandemic, significant progress has been made in establishing democratic institutions due to the reforms implemented by the Government.

​​The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia briefed the President of the Congress of Deputies of Spain on the efforts of the Armenian side towards the establishment of peace and stability in the South Caucasus, as well as the latest developments related to the relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan, the process of the settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. Both sides emphasized the peaceful settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. They stressed that using force could not be considered a means of resolving the conflict.

Ararat Mirzoyan also presented the latest developments in the normalization process between Armenia and Turkey to the interlocutor.

Read also: Armenian Foreign Minister meets with high officials from Greece in Athens