Armenian interior minister holds high-level talks in Belgium
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Armenian Minister of Internal Affairs Arpine Sargsyan held several bilateral meetings during her visit to Belgium.
Minister Sargsyan met with Moldova’s Minister of Internal Affairs, Daniella Misail-Nichitin, to discuss cooperation in combating organized crime, hybrid threats, and cybercrime, according to a press release issued by the ministry. The need for capacity building to uncover cryptocurrency-related crimes was especially emphasized. Issues pertaining to partnerships between educational institutions of the two ministries of internal affairs were also discussed.
Sargsyan also met with the Executive Director of the European Border and Coast Guard Agency (FRONTEX), Hans Leijtens. The Armenian minister stressed the importance of active dialogue with the European Union and presented ongoing reforms within the framework of visa liberalization. A number of issues related to border control and security were discussed.
Referring to efforts toward the introduction of a biometric system, Minister Sargsyan emphasized its strategic importance within the framework of Armenia–EU relations. She highlighted the multifaceted cooperation with FRONTEX and expressed readiness to expand it.
Hans Leijtens, thanking Minister Sargsyan for the visit, highly appreciated the effective cooperation with the Ministry of Internal Affairs. The parties agreed to continue mutual visits.
Arpine Sargsyan also met with Belgium’s Minister of Security and Interior, Bernard Quintin. Minister Sargsyan stressed the importance of strengthening and continuously developing the partnership established between the two countries. During the meeting, issues related to the expansion of bilateral cooperation were discussed, particularly effective interaction between various police units and capacity building in the field of education.
Minister Sargsyan also held discussions with the Executive Director of Europol, Catherine De Bolle, as well as with counterparts from a number of other countries.
Sargsyan participated in the 2025 International Conference of the Global Alliance to Counter Migrant Smuggling in Brussels. The conference was convened by the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, and the Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration, Magnus Brunner. Eighty delegations participated in the event. Earlier, Sargsyan also held a meeting with Magnus Brunner.