Luxembourg FM lauds Armenia’s reforms for rule of law and EU standards

YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 9, ARMENPRESS. Armenia has done a lot on the path of establishing rule of law and European standards, Xavier Bettel, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade and Minister for Cooperation of Luxembourg said in Yerevan.

Speaking at a joint press conference with his Armenian counterpart Ararat Mirzoyan, Bettel said his visit is important in terms of strengthening bilateral ties. 

“We can see the great potential of cooperation. Minister Mirzoyan’s visit to Luxembourg was memorable on the occasion of opening a diplomatic representation. I have arrived to Armenia during an important phase for you and during the talks with my colleagues I got convinced that I am working with a man who truly wants to find solutions in these difficult situations. From historical experience, I can say that in the past Luxembourg had difficult relations with its neighbor countries, Germany, France and Belgium. Especially with Germany our relations were difficult, but today we are living in a safe environment in solidarity and peace, implementing joint programs,” Bettel said.

He said he wants Armenians to live in safety and not be afraid of their neighbor’s conduct. Bettel said the option of using force to solve issues is unacceptable.

“Any nation must have the chance for self-expression in peaceful conditions. Young people must see that the EU is not the other side of the globe, but actually closer. Today we are strengthening relations with Armenia through the European Peace Facility, through negotiations over the launch of visa liberalization process, and this all shows our common values and projects. I want you to know that we, as the EU, bear responsibility and can’t simply tell the Armenian people to simply make steps on the path of integration. It is necessary for Armenia to normalize its relations with its neighbors. You can’t change the past but you can learn lessons from history to shape the future. It is our duty,” he said.

It is the EU’s obligation to contribute to the Armenian people living in an independent country, without the atmosphere of fear, Bettel said.

He said that the Armenian people must have their own path of choice, and not a path chosen by others.

“The work of the EU monitoring mission in Armenia also shows the commitment on both sides to reach the same goal. We have common agendas. Soon there will be various other meetings. We believe in the power of dialogue. I will attend the Yerevan Dialogue forum tomorrow where I will meet my former and current colleagues. Your country really shows it can be an open and important platform for dialogues and exchange of ideas. The presence of joint agenda is important, but trust in partners is more important,” he said.

Bettel said the launch of visa liberalization dialogue between Armenia and the EU is another step on the path of deepening ties.

“In case of visa liberalization, it will be easier for people to travel from one country to another, engage in exchange of experience, and spend less money. This is another step on the path of deepening ties,” he said. 

“Visa liberalization contributes to closer relations between peoples of various countries. In this issue we say welcome to everyone and especially Armenians.”