Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan on Thursday hosted UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres at the Armenian government, who has arrived in Armenia to attend the Leaders' Summit on Biodiversity to be held in Yerevan within the framework of 17th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP17) to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity, the PM’s office informs.

The premier welcomed the visit of the delegation led by Antonio Guterres to Armenia and noted that he is the second UN Secretary General to visit the country. Pashinyan highlighted the joint work over the past eight years and noted that much has happened in the region and the world during that time. The Armenian leader recalled that the topic of the UN’s role has been at the center of all kinds of discussions, and the importance of multilateralism has been constantly discussed in the international arena.

Reflecting on COP17, the Armenian prime minister noted that it is the largest event ever organized in Armenia and expressed confidence that it will be held at a high level.

In turn, Antonio Guterres expressed gratitude for the warm hospitality and the excellent organizing of COP 17.

“I would like to congratulate Armenia, because this conference is extremely well organized. My colleagues say that it is always difficult to reach a joint statement or agreement in negotiations. Armenia has demonstrated extraordinary diplomatic ability—working wonders, uniting different opinions and viewpoints. In all the areas where the COP works—biodiversity, climate—the quality of Armenian leadership and diplomacy is truly outstanding,” the UN Secretary General said.

Also, Antonio Guterres attached importance to the establishment of peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan, and stressed Prime Minister Pashinyan’s personal contribution to this matter.

During the meeting, the interlocutors exchanged views on the holding of the COP17 and the upcoming discussions.

In addition, regional processes were touched upon, including the implementation of the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP) regional transport project. Both sides emphasized the importance of this project in terms unblocking regional communication channels and promoting cooperation.