On December 3 the Saeima European Affairs Committee delegation headed by the Committee Chairman Oskars Kastens met Chairman of the NA Standing Committee on Foreign Relations Armen Roustamyan.
Greeting the guests Mr. Roustamyan sounded his certitude that the visit of the Saeima delegation will give a new impetus to the development of the Armenian-Latvian relations.
Commending Latvia’s experience in integration to Europe and cooperation in various international formats Mr. Roustamyan said that European integration is a priority for the Armenian foreign policy. As such Latvian experience can prove important and practical. Touching upon the regional problems Mr. Roustamyan expressed an opinion that only through the cooperation development can we be successful in settling conflicts.
Mr. Kastens also weighted boosting cooperation and sounded a hope that from now on partnership between parliaments of the two states will develop and strengthen. Latvia has become a full-fledged NATO and EU member and as such Latvia’s experience can prove practical for Armenia.
The sides credited cooperation among the Baltic and South Caucasian states in the 3+3 format.
During the meetings the parties weighted multilateral relations, promotion of inter-parliamentary relations, regional partnership as well as Armenia-Latvia partnership in various directions at various European structures.
Latvia Seima delegations met Armenia-Latvia Parliamentary Friendship Group members. Vazgen Khachikyan, head of the Armenian Parliamentary Friendship Group, introduced the Latvian delegation into the Parliament structure, power distribution, economic priorities for Armenia and activities undertaken towards European integration. The two sides attached importance to the promotion of the inter-parliamentary relations, sharing Latvian experience with Armenia in the legislative sphere, specifically, in carrying out economic reforms, assistance to Armenia within the framework of NATO and EU, partnership at various spheres of economy.
The Latvian delegation also met Mher Shahgeldyan, Chairman of the NA Standing Committee on Defence, National Security and Internal Affairs. The parties emphasized mutually profitable cooperation in various spheres of the economy, promotion of political relations, and opportunities for cooperation at the European structures. Mr. Shahgeldyan highlighted establishment of relations and active partnership between his Committee and similar Committee of the Latvian Saeima.