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Armenian President Vahagn Khachaturyan said that one of the important pillars of Armenia-Czech relations is the two countries’ shared commitment to democracy, human rights, the rule of law, and the fundamental principles of international law.
Khachaturyan made the remarks at a joint press conference with Czech President Petr Pavel in Prague, following their one-on-one and expanded-format meetings.
“For more than three decades, interstate relations have developed on the basis of mutual respect, trust, and shared values. I should emphasize that one of the important pillars of the development of relations between Armenia and the Czech Republic is our shared commitment to democracy, human rights, the rule of law, and the fundamental principles of international law.
Today, the Armenia-Czech Republic political dialogue is at a high level, while mutually beneficial cooperation has significant potential for development,” the President said.
President Khachaturyan added that during his meeting with the Czech President in Prague, they discussed a broad agenda of bilateral relations, from political dialogue and economic cooperation to high technologies, education, science, culture, tourism, and strengthening people-to-people contacts.
“The European direction was a key component of our discussions. The Czech Republic is an important partner for Armenia, and we highly value its support for the development of Armenia-EU relations and the democratic and institutional reforms of the two countries. Armenia is interested in further deepening relations with the EU and is ready to continue consistent work in this direction. The Czech Republic’s experience and support are of essential importance to us in this process,” the Armenian President said.
Khachaturyan attached particular importance to the dialogue between Armenia and the EU on visa liberalization.
“We expect the process to continue effectively and constructively, contributing to expanding the mobility of Armenian citizens and strengthening ties between the two societies,” he said.
Taking into account the obstacles to exporting Armenian products to former traditional markets, the Armenian President asked the Czech President for support in promoting Armenian products in the Czech Republic.
“Another important area of today’s discussions was the further expansion of economic cooperation. In this regard, the intergovernmental commission on economic cooperation is an important platform. Our goal is not only to increase trade volumes but also to qualitatively expand cooperation through joint production, investment programs, and new initiatives in areas of mutual interest.
We want to expand mutual trade and promote Czech investment in Armenia, and today we also discussed prospects for cooperation in the fields of energy, high technologies, and infrastructure, with both sides emphasizing the importance of regular contacts between business communities,” the Armenian President emphasized.
The Presidents of Armenia and the Czech Republic also discussed the role of parliamentary diplomacy. President Khachaturyan emphasized that parliamentary-level contacts in recent years have made an important contribution to deepening mutual understanding between the two countries.
“Strengthening people-to-people contacts is another important area of our relations. Armenia and the Czech Republic have a strong legal foundation for cooperation in the fields of education, culture, science, youth, and sports.
We want to further intensify student and academic exchanges, joint research programs, cultural events, and youth contacts. We attach particular importance to the Armenian community in the Czech Republic. It is a natural bridge between the two peoples and plays an important role in deepening Armenian-Czech friendship.
During the meeting, we also discussed regional and international security issues. The opening of regional communications, the development of economic ties, and expanding opportunities for the free movement of people can turn the South Caucasus into a region of cooperation and interconnectedness.
Today’s meeting once again confirmed that our relations have a strong political foundation and significant potential for further deepening. I am confident that this meeting will contribute to the further deepening of friendly and partnership relations between the Republic of Armenia and the Czech Republic,” the Armenian President concluded.