Judge Tomoko Akane, President of the International Criminal Court (ICC), arrived in Armenia for the first time, and she was received by Prosecutor General of Armenia Anna Vardapetyan, the Prosecutor General's Office of Armenia informed Armenian News-NEWS.am.

Vardapetyan emphasized that this is the first time that a serving president of the ICC visits Armenia, which testifies to the commitment to developing and deepening cooperation between Armenia and the ICC.

Armenia has become a member of the ICC on February 1, 2024, becoming the 124th State Party to the Rome Statute, and the 19th county from the Eastern European Group.

During the meeting, the interlocutors emphasized the importance of developing bilateral cooperation and strengthening institutional partnership, especially in the context of developing the capacities of prosecutors in the investigation of international crimes. Among other things, a number of issues related to the collection of evidence in criminal proceedings, the protection of victims and witnesses were also discussed.

Anna Vardapetyan expressed interest in implementing joint training programs with the ICC, expanding technical cooperation, and developing mechanisms for the exchange of experience. The importance of a victim-centered approach in criminal proceedings was emphasized.

Also, Anna Vardapetyan and Tomoko Akane reaffirmed their readiness to develop effective and transparent cooperation mechanisms, as well as to continue the constructive dialogue.