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Your visit to Armenia will give a new boost to the deepening of Armenian-Croatian interaction and the development of inter-parliamentary relations: the NA Chair of the Standing Committee on Foreign Relations Sargis Khandanyan said during the meeting with Croatia-Armenia Friendship Group of the Croatian Parliament on April 3.

The Committee Chair noted that the year 2024 marks the 30^th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. Sargis Khandanyan underscored that during these years the Armenian-Croatian relations have consistently developed and expressed hope that thanks to mutual efforts they will be further strengthened and deepened.

The parliamentarian touched upon the illegal blockade of the Lachin Corridor by Azerbaijan, mentioning: “As a result of these actions, the residents of Nagorno-Karabakh have been deprived of the right to free movement for about four months. Nagorno-Karabakh is facing the imminent danger of a food and humanitarian disaster. This behaviour of Azerbaijan not only shows its lack of intention to address the issue of rights and security of the people of Nagorno Karabakh and to dialogue with Stepanakert for this purpose, but also once again testifies to the continuation of the official policy of Baku to subject Nagorno Karabakh to ethnic cleansing.”

Sargis Khandanyan informed the guests that this action of Azerbaijan was condemned by the European Parliament, many national parliaments, EU, USA and other institutions of international relations, but Azerbaijan does not take into consideration the urgings of our partners.

According to him, Armenia speaks on various international platforms about the necessity of applying sanctions against Azerbaijan and expects the addressed responses of international partners.

Sargis Khandanyan emphasized the EU Civil Observation Mission from the viewpoint of ensuring stability around the borders of the Republic of Armenia.

The Head of Croatia-Armenia Friendship Group Davor Ivo Stier highlighted the importance of the Armenian-Croatian relations and noted: “Croatia is a young member of the EU and taking into account the latest geopolitical developments, we attach importance to the establishment of peace in the region.”

According to the delegation member Domagoj Hajduković, they emphasize the speedy return of Armenian prisoners of war and other captured persons, and are also concerned about the preservation of the Armenian historical, cultural and spiritual heritage in the territories of Nagorno Karabakh, which passed under the control of Azerbaijan.

The guests thanked for the meeting and noted that such meetings and mutual visits will be continuous.