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On June 3, President of the Republic of Armenia Vahagn Khachaturyan received a delegation of high-ranking representatives of the Nordic-Baltic Eight.
According to the Presidential Office, during the meeting, President Khachaturyan emphasized the importance of Armenia’s partnership with the Northern European and Baltic countries, noting that it is based on historical ties, traditional friendship, and shared democratic values.
“Our relations with the countries you represent have been developing quite intensively in recent years. This visit is especially valuable, as the direct involvement of individuals like you,who take part in political processes and influence decision-making,is particularly important for us,” the President said.
“You now have the opportunity to personally become acquainted with the situation in Armenia, and such meetings provide a platform for direct dialogue on key issues.”
President Khachaturyan noted that Northern Europe and the Baltic countries have a well-established record of regional cooperation, which could serve as a source of inspiration for the South Caucasus.
“We hope that, eventually, peace will be established in our region. Under those conditions, cooperation among the South Caucasus states will take on a new scope and nature,” the President added.
President Khachaturian also highly appreciated the experience of the Baltic countries, emphasizing that although Armenia and those countries were once part of the Soviet Union, these countries were able to transform into full-fledged, sovereign, democratic states in a short time.
“Contacts aimed at building democratic institutions are especially important, as you represent countries where democracy, human rights, freedom, and the rule of law are not just ideals but a way of life. These values have become deeply rooted in your societies,” he noted.
“In this respect, it is very important for us to learn from your experience and to understand what steps we need to take moving forward.”
President Khachaturyan particularly emphasized the significance of the Baltic experience:
“We were part of the Soviet Union together, and you have been able to demonstrate that it is possible to establish and act as democratic nations in a very short period after 1991 that now hold influence in the European Union and, indeed, the world.”
“Accept us as one of you, as a bearer of the same values - those that are called democracy. Armenia is a country ready to stand with you in today’s challenging times, when democracy faces various threats, to strengthen and defend these values,” he stated.
“Finally, accept us as one of you on the path toward realizing the ideas we all believe in: human rights, freedom, and the rule of law.”
During the meeting, President Khachaturyan also answered questions from the delegation members, addressing regional developments, the progress of democratic reforms, and prospects for future cooperation.
