Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia Hakob Arshakyan met with the delegation led by Deputy Prime Minister of the Czech Republic Marian Jurecka. Artur Hovhannisyan, Head of the Armenia-Czech Republic Friendship Group of the National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia, also attended the meeting.
"The Czech Republic is one of our most important European partners. We attach special importance to the active bilateral inter-parliamentary dialogue," said Hakob Arshakyan, welcoming the delegation to the Armenian Parliament.
He highly appreciated the Czech side's support for the democratic reforms in Armenia.
"This is my first visit to Armenia. We are here to get acquainted with the situation on the ground and plans," said the Deputy Prime Minister of the Czech Republic, expressing gratitude for the warm welcome.
He noted that as the first country to adopt Christianity, Armenia is an essential partner for the Czech Republic and the Czech people. Marian Jurecka emphasized that there is great potential for the development of cooperation in various fields, including the economic sphere, and in activating and developing collaboration and in the issue of visas expressed readiness to assist in the liberalization process.
Hakob Arshakyan expressed gratitude for the readiness to support. He presented Armenia's achievements in high technologies, innovation, and creative education, emphasizing the Czech Republic's experience and cooperation opportunities in this context.
Touching upon the process and prospects of deepening the RA-EU partnership, the NA Vice-Speaker informed that the National Assembly adopted the law "On the launch of the RA accession process to the European Union," submitted to the Parliament as a civil initiative. He also touched upon two crucial decisions made by the EU: the launch of the visa liberalization dialogue and the provision of assistance to Armenia within the framework of the European Peace Facility.
Hakob Arshakyan expressed gratitude to the Czech Republic for participating in the EU civil mission in Armenia.
"Armenia is very interested in strengthening regional security and stability. The "Crossroads of Peace" project initiated by the Armenian government is our roadmap towards sustainable peace, which is based on competence, sovereignty, reciprocity, and the principles of equality," the Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly said, referring to regional security issues.
He presented in detail the process of normalizing relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan, the RA's vision of normalizing relations with neighbors, and the effective unblocking of regional communications.
The Deputy Prime Minister of the Czech Republic expressed his support for implementing the "Crossroads of Peace" project. He noted that steps aimed at peace are a sign of strength. The mock trial of all Armenian prisoners of war illegally detained in Azerbaijan, as well as military and political figures, was mentioned. The sides exchanged views on the process of normalizing relations between Armenia and Turkey.
