On April 4 RA NA President Artur Baghdasaryan had a private talk with Herman De Croo, President of the Chamber of Representatives of the Kingdom of Belgium. The inner-political situation of Armenia, the legislative reforms, regional issues, Armenian-Belgian inter-parliamentary relations and cooperation in international structures were in the center of the discussions.

During the meeting of the delegation headed by De Croo, President of the Chamber of Representatives of the Kingdom of Belgium and the factions, group, chairpersons and members of the National assembly with extended staff, RA NA President Artur Baghdasaryan noted that this visit is of great importance in Armenia: that this is the first official visit of such high-ranking official to Armenia and can be an important impetus for the development of the inter-governmental and inter-parliamentary relations. The promotion of Belgium is also very important to Armenia within the framework of “Wider Europe: New Neighbourhood.” The Parliament President elaborated on the legislative activity of the National Assembly within the framework of the reforms being held in the country, noting that the Constitutional and Electoral Code reforms and other laws included in the undertaken obligations of Armenia in PACE are discussed in the parliament. In fact, the great part of the obligations are already fulfilled, those that were twice fixed in the resolutions of PACE. Moreover, a working group is set up in the parliament of Armenia in order to comply the laws of Armenia with the standards of the European Union. The importance of having economic, scientific-cultural and health joint programmes was also noted. In establishing regional cooperation, RA NA President Artur Baghdasaryan highlighted the establishment of normal relations with all the neighbours and Armenia’s readiness to discuss all disputable issues through negotiations. The Parliament Speaker thanked the Belgian Parliament for the recognition of the Armenian Genocide already in 1998 and adopting condemning resolution. It was noted that while participating in South Caucasus parliamentary initiative, where the MPs of Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan, Armenia expects to set up South Caucasian Parliament, which can become a field of discussing problems and finding solutions. In 2004 the Speakers of South Caucasus parliaments discussed the possibility of signing a pact of peace and stability in South Caucasus in Strasbourg. That can be of great importance for the solution of regional problems.

Tigran Torosyan, head of PACE NA delegation, NA Vice Speaker also elaborated on the activities in the international structures, noting that the European direction is of unique importance for Armenia. He noted that Armenia is in favour of contacts with all neighbours, but it’s not always that the neighbours understand and find readiness.

In their speeches Hranush Hakobyan, Chairwoman of the Standing Committee on Science, Education, Culture and Youth Affairs, Gagik Mkheyan, Chairman of the Standing Committee on Social Affairs, Health Care and Environment, Tatul Manaseryan, MP of “Ardarutiun” (Justice) faction highlighted the necessity of deepening the scientific-cultural and social-economic ties between the Kingdom of Belgium and Republic of Armenia.

Estimating the importance of the visit to Armenia, Herman De Croo, President of the Chamber of Representatives of the Kingdom of Belgium, stated the representatives of all political forces of Belgium were included in the composition of the delegation, which happens rarely. According to him, Armenia is the very important part of South Caucasus, and Belgium is interested in seeing Armenia as a democratic country with developed economy. Mr. Herman De Croo expressed readiness to promote the activities of the parliamentary delegations. He estimated positively and effectively the readiness of Armenia for the establishment of good neighbourly relations, seeing the future of the region in it.

The sides highlighted the development Armenian-Belgian relations in different directions, which will give opportunity to raise bilateral relations to a new quality.