YEREVAN, AUGUST 22, ARMENPRESS. Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan lauded on Tuesday the high level of political dialogue with Belgium after holding a meeting with his Belgian counterpart Hadja Lahbib.

Speaking at a joint press conference, FM Mirzoyan said that he discussed with Lahbib prospects for further expansion of partnership. Both sides expressed readiness to make effective steps to promote possible investments and fully utilize the existing potential in business, science, education, IT and culture.

“We expressed confidence that the partnership based on promotion of development in the region, democratic values, as well as the civilizational similarities between the two peoples will have its positive result. In this context we also greatly welcome the Belgian government’s decision on opening an embassy in Yerevan, which will definitely boost the development of the Armenian-Belgian dynamic relations,” the Armenian Foreign Minister said.

He thanked his Belgian counterpart for the Belgian foreign ministry’s assistance provided to the Soldier’s Home rehabilitation center in Yerevan and expressed hope that cooperation in this direction will continue.

The foreign ministers also highlighted the effective interparliamentary cooperation, given the Belgian parliament’s solidarity and significant attention on issues of great importance for Armenia.

Mirzoyan and Hadja Lahbib also discussed effective cooperation in international organizations and the Armenia-EU partnership. The circle of interests is broad – from support to Armenia’s democratic reforms to economic development, dialogue around security issues and the activities of the EU monitoring mission in Armenia. Mirzoyan was pleased to note Belgium’s presence within the EU monitoring mission.