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Complex security processes are taking place in a troubled world, and our region is in such a situation as well. You also rule the Republic of Iraq in these processes. In that sense, we have a common path to take, objectives to see the world in peace. To achieve peace, we should go through this difficult path together. The Chair of the RA NA Standing Committee on Defense and Security Andranik Kocharyan said this during the meeting with the members of Iraq-Armenia Friendship Group on March 14. He highly valued the activity of the Friendship Groups and inter-parliamentary cooperation, which complement the efforts of both countries’ Governments. Andranik Kocharyan said that Armenia is concerned about the development and deepening of relations with Iraq, underscoring that there is still huge unrealized potential in bilateral relations.

“As members of Iraq-Armenia Friendship Group of the House of Representatives of Iraq, we extend our hand of friendship to you, expecting cooperation in all fields,” said the Head of Iraq-Armenia Friendship Group Mohammad Sadik Mohammad. He expressed hope that warm relations between Friendship Groups will be further strengthened as a result of active communication and cooperation.

The parties emphasized the necessity of deepening relations between two countries in the spheres of trade, economy, tourism, and culture.

“We can think about people’s welfare and progress in conditions of peace,” Andranik Kocharyan mentioned, talking about the history and similarities of the two old nations. He touched upon the Armenian community in Iraq, noting that the community has a close relationship with Armenia.

“According to our Constitution, we reject the use of aggression against any country and interference in the internal affairs of another country. Iraq is a country of civilizations, different denominational groups and religions. And today’s Iraq, which has a population of 49 million, has excluded any kind of religious discrimination between peoples,” a member of Iraq-Armenia Friendship Group Talib Khalil Raahi said.

Reference was made to national minorities and the protection of their rights.

The Deputy Chair of the RA NA Standing Committee on Defense and Security Armen Khachatryan, the Committee member Gurgen Melkonyan and the Head of Armenia-Iraq Friendship Group Rustam Bakoyan participated in the meeting.