YEREVAN, AUGUST 22, ARMENPRESS. The latest Armenia-Azerbaijan talks held in Brussels showed that a peace treaty is close and therefore the leaders of both countries must do everything in order for the Armenian and Azerbaijani peoples to live in peaceful conditions, Belgium’s Foreign Minister Hadja Lahbib has said.

She said that new consultations must take place in Brussels, Yerevan and Baku.

Lahbib said at a press conference with Armenian FM Ararat Mirzoyan that she’s come to Armenia to support and encourage.

“Belgium is deeply concerned about the tension caused by the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. The only way out of this conflict is the negotiations process and mutual concessions. During my upcoming visit to Azerbaijan, I will tell my Azerbaijani colleague that the agreements reached as part of the meetings in 2023 under the mediation of the President of the European Council Charles Michel have recorded positive progress. The leaders of the two countries have reciprocally recorded each other’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. I welcome the Armenian Prime Minister’s courageous statements pertaining to the path of peace. I also reiterate that the security and rights of the population must be guaranteed,” the Belgian FM said.

Lahbib lauded that EU monitoring mission in Armenia. The actions must contribute to the development of trust between the two nations, she added.

“Belgium is deeply concerned about the humanitarian situation in Nagorno-Karabakh, and its deterioration. The restriction of movement along Lachin Corridor is having serious consequences, causing serious dangers of famine and disease. During our meeting, representatives of the ICRC also stated that the life of residents in Nagorno-Karabakh is in danger, which is naturally unacceptable. Belgium fully shares the EU’s stance that ensuring the security of the population of Karabakh and free movement in Lachin Corridor is Azerbaijan’s obligation. Belgium will continue to be guided by this approach in is diplomatic contacts,” Foreign Minister Lahbib said.