Jean Asselborn with Armenia Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian; Credit: MAEE

Yesterday marked the official visit of Luxembourg Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Jean Asselborn to Yerevan in Armenia.

During his visit to Yerevan on 27 March 2018, Minister Asselborn was received in audience by the President of the Republic of Armenia, Serge Sargsyan, before meeting his Armenian counterpart, Minister Edward Nalbandian.

In Yerevan, Minister Asselborn also gave a speech at the Diplomatic Academy of Armenia, in front of a group of students as well as representatives of the academic and diplomatic world. He was also received by President-elect Armen Sarkissian.

While the Grand Duchy and Armenia celebrated last year the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, the exchange of views with the Armenian authorities was primarily intended to develop and strengthen bilateral relations, particularly in the economic and commercial field, exploring the possibilities of mutually beneficial synergies.

Minister Asselborn officially inaugurated, together with his Armenian counterpart, Minister Nalbandian, the first Honorary Consulate of the Grand Duchy in Armenia. He was confident that the new Honorary Consul, Souren Zohrabyan, could not only enhance the visibility of Luxembourg in Yerevan, but also contribute to the development of economic and cultural relations.

Minister Asselborn's discussions with his interlocutors also focused on Armenia's reform process, as the country moves from a semi-presidential system to a parliamentary one.

Recalling Luxembourg's commitment to promoting the rule of law, Minister Asselborn reviewed the Armenian authorities' efforts to fight corruption and the ongoing work on improving judicial sector and governance, emphasising the importance of these reforms in attracting more foreign investors.

With regard to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, Jean Asselborn recalled that there can be no military solution to this conflict and that it is therefore necessary- in his opinion- to strengthen efforts for a political settlement in accordance with international law. international. The Luxembourg Foreign Minister reiterated his commitment to the Madrid Principles and his support for the Co-Chairs of the Minsk Group, highlighting the common interest of a politically stable and economically prosperous South Caucasus.

The meetings also provided an opportunity to discuss the preparations for the XVII Francophonie Summit to be held in October in Yerevan, and to review several issues of regional and international political news.