YEREVAN. – Armenian National Assembly (NA) Speaker Hovik Abrahamyan on Tuesday received a delegation from the British Group Inter-Parliamentary Union, led by John Whittingdale (UK House of Commons).

Abrahamyan stated that the political contacts have invigorated and the cooperation has grown between Armenia and Great Britain, informs the NA press service. In his words, Armenia underscores the development of relations and the rejuvenation of political discourse with the UK.

“We highlight the interparliamentary cooperation between Armenia and the UK, and we are interested in promoting interparliamentary cooperation,” he added.

Hovik Abrahamyan also reflected on the settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and the normalization of Armenian-Turkish relations, and considered it important to form a respective objective opinion in the international arena.

Commenting on the forthcoming centennial of the Armenian Genocide, Abrahamyan noted that Armenia highly appreciates the relevant initiatives by the British-Armenian All-Party Parliamentary Group of the UK Parliament.

With respect to Armenia’s decision to join the Russian-led Customs Union, the NA leader noted that this decision is in the country’s interests, and it is conditioned on the geopolitical realities. In his words, however, this decision does not mean a termination of political dialogue with the European Union.

In turn, John Whittingdale expressed confidence that the British Group’s official visit to Armenia will contribute to the development of Armenian-British ties. According to him, Armenia has a large number of friends in the UK Parliament.

“Armenia’s voice is heard in the British Parliament. We want stability and progress in Armenia,” UK House of Commons member Stephen Pound specifically said for his part

The British MPs likewise underscored the need to deepen cooperation between the two parliaments. The development of economic relations and the collaboration in various domains likewise were stressed.

In addition, the interlocutors called attention to peace and stability in the region, and the peaceful resolution of conflicts.