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On November 15 the RA National Assembly Vice President Eduard Sharmazanov received the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Latvia Edgars Rinkēvičs. Welcoming the guests in the National Assembly Eduard Sharmazanov underlined the historical friendly relations, which exist between the Armenian and Latvian people, the two countries. In the NA Vice President’s words, those relations first of all are conditioned by the same value system, adhering to democratic and European values. According to him, the independence has not been easily given both to Armenia and Latvia. “In Armenia we realize very well the value of independence, democracy, there is no alternative for democracy”, the NA Vice President noted. He assured that Armenia had resolutely chosen the path of European Integration, highlighted the Armenian Partnership policy, and as we deepened the democracy, so increased the degree of cooperation. In this context, Eduard Sharmazanov emphasized the Latvian experience of European Integration for Armenia, noting that close cooperation was expected.

In further strengthening of bilateral relations the NA Vice President highlighted the enlivening of inter-parliamentary relations. Noting that next year the RA National Assembly President’s visit to Armenia is planned, Mr Sharmazanov, as Chairman of the Armenia-Latvia Inter-Parliamentary Friendship Group, also underscored the necessity of activating the cooperation at all levels. He emphasized the role of the parliamentary diplomacy, noting that in that format we may include a wide scope of issues.

Reminding that still in 2005 in the Latvian Parliament a resolution on the Armenian Genocide was discussed, in favour of which about seven dozens of deputies had been voted, then it had been sent for editing, the NA Vice President expressed hope that on the eve of the 100^th anniversary of the Genocide, Latvia would join the number of the countries, which had said their condemning word in relation to that crime committed against humanity.

Touching upon the issues of the RA foreign policy, Eduard Sharmazanov also presented the stance of the Armenian side of the Karabakh conflict settlement. “Our adopted principles coincide with the approaches of the OSCE Minsk Group. We are for the peaceful settlement of the conflict: on the basis of three well known principles there is no other road”, the NA Vice President said, in contrast, underlining the bellicose posture of the Azerbaijani authorities. The latter, according to him, is inadmissible not only for Armenia, but also for other countries, adhering to European and all-human values.

The NA Vice President also touched upon the Safarov case, characterizing the heroizing of the criminal by Azerbaijan as perfect absurdity.

“Armenia highly appreciates the friendly relations with Latvia, it is ready to deepen them in all directions, which greatly promote the reinforcement of bilateral inter-parliamentary relations”, Eduard Sharmazanov said.

Thanking for warm reception, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Latvia Edgars Rinkēvičs has noted that with regards to politics, very good opportunities are established between Armenia and Latvia, the development of which promote both the commonness and the bilateral visits at the most different levels. He also highlighted the necessity of enlivening of inter-parliamentary relations in all directions. According to Edgars Rinkēvičs, in bilateral relations there is a big non-used potential, especially, in the sphere of economy. In his word, there are wide opportunities of cooperation in the increase of goods turnover, in the spheres of tourism, high technologies, and in many other spheres.The Foreign Minister said that in the NK Ministry of Economy they were getting prepared for the formation of Inter-Governmental Committee, and next year a joint meeting was expected to be held.

He welcomed the steps taken by Armenia in the direction of European Integration, expressing readiness to support in any way the efforts aimed at their further deepening.

Touching upon the Karabakh conflict settlement, the Latvian Foreign Minister has noted that his country also sees the solution of the problem only through peaceful negotiations and keeping the three well known principles. He highlighted the continuity of the negotiation process, which the European community also should promote.

In connection with the Safarov case Edgars Rinkēvičs noted that they had expressed their condemning attitude in the joint statement of the South Baltic countries. According to him, we should make united efforts similar cases not to be repeated and there won’t be their influence on negotiation process.

In the course of the meeting the sides also touched upon the regional problems, the Armenian-Turkish relations, the upcoming presidential elections in Armenia and other issues of bilateral interest.