Armenian and Latvian Foreign Ministers Discuss Bilateral Cooperation and EU Partnership
Yerevan, June 3 – Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan held a telephone conversation with Latvian Foreign Minister Baiba Braže on June 2, as reported by the Armenian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The discussions focused on reinforcing bilateral partnership between Armenia and Latvia.
Strengthening Bilateral Ties and Economic Cooperation
During the call, both ministers addressed issues concerning the continuous strengthening of bilateral cooperation between their respective countries. A significant emphasis was placed on activating economic interaction, acknowledging the political will expressed at the highest levels to advance this area.
Minister Mirzoyan and Minister Braže also exchanged views on the ongoing efforts towards implementing the strategic agenda of the Armenia-European Union partnership. This indicates a shared commitment to deepening ties within the broader European framework.
Addressing Hybrid Actions Targeting Democratic Processes
Furthermore, the Foreign Ministers of Armenia and Latvia touched upon various hybrid actions that target democratic processes. They discussed effective countermeasures to combat such challenges, highlighting a mutual concern for the integrity of democratic institutions.
Broader Context: Armenia’s Diplomatic Engagements
This conversation comes amidst a period of active diplomatic engagement for Armenia. Recent news indicates a focus on various international relationships and domestic issues. For instance, on June 2, the Prosperous Armenia Party (BHK) stated that violence against one opposition force is an attack against the entire opposition. The Armenian Ministry of Foreign Affairs also highlighted Armenia’s appreciation for its long-standing friendship with Italy.
Concerns have also been raised regarding economic matters, with “Rosselkhoznadzor” imposing restrictions on the import of dried fruits from Armenia starting June 3. This follows earlier restrictions on fish product imports from Armenia by Russia on June 2. These developments underscore the importance of diversified economic partnerships, a topic that may have implicitly informed the discussions on economic cooperation with Latvia.
Other domestic news includes ongoing legal proceedings and investigations. On June 2, journalist Nairi Hokhikyan’s house was being searched, and the Corruption Prevention Commission initiated proceedings against Samvel Karapetyan. Additionally, Alik Aleksanyan was arrested on charges of large-scale money laundering.
In the military sphere, the body of a 20-year-old serviceman was found hanged in one of the military units in Kapan on June 2, a tragic event that is likely under investigation.
Regional and International Perspectives
Armenia’s relationship with the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) has also been a prominent topic. While Russia set a deadline for discussions on Armenia’s potential withdrawal from the EAEU on June 2, earlier reports from June 1 indicated that Yerevan is not considering leaving the EAEU, according to Mher Grigoryan. However, President Putin and Pashinyan discussed Armenia’s EAEU membership issues on June 1, and Putin congratulated Pashinyan amid discussions about Armenia’s future in the EAEU.
These discussions are set against a backdrop of Armenia’s efforts to diversify its international relations. Prime Minister Pashinyan has spoken about new relations with Russia and considered an EU referendum premature on June 1. Earlier, on May 28, Nikol Pashinyan stated that Armenia would not leave the EAEU but would continue diversification. This strategic direction was further emphasized on May 21, when a minister announced that Armenia would redirect flower exports to the EU and the US.
Regional dynamics also play a role, with the Ambassador of Azerbaijan to Turkey noting the condition for opening borders with Armenia on May 18. This highlights the complex geopolitical environment in which Armenia operates.
The phone conversation between Minister Mirzoyan and Minister Braže therefore represents a key step in Armenia’s broader diplomatic strategy to strengthen its bilateral ties, deepen its partnership with the European Union, and navigate regional challenges.
