The president of the National Assembly (NA) of Armenia, Galust Sahakyan, who is on an official visit to Canada, on Tuesday met with the speaker of the Senate of Canada, Leonidas (Leo) Housakos.

Sahakyan noted that the authorities of the two countries have developed friendship relations over the years. In his conviction, however, now is the time for implementing a new phase in parliamentary cooperation.

The Armenian parliament chairman presented the Canadian Senate leader the Armenian NA initiative, whereby a process has started for setting up parliamentary committees for the condemnation and prevention of genocides.

Sahakyan also gave Housakos some details on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, and reaffirmed Armenia’s position of pacifically resolving this conflict. He also pointed out that with delight that Canada has a balanced approach on this matter.

The Armenian parliament leader, speaking on the recognition and condemnation of the Armenian Genocide, specifically noted: “On such issues, it is time not for politics to impact civilization, but just the opposite, for civilization [to impact] politics.”

The speaker of the Canadian Senate, for his part, thanked Galust Sahakyan for accepting the invitation and visiting Canada.

The Armenian NA delegation, led by Sahakyan, also toured the Senate of Canada and got familiarized with its activities.

The delegation also met with Canada’s Minister of National Defence and Minister for Multiculturalism, Jason Kenney. This official is known in Canada for his contribution to the international recognition and condemnation of the Armenian Genocide.

The Armenian delegation also met with members of the Canada-Armenia Parliamentary Friendship Group.

In addition, the speaker of the Senate of Canada held an official dinner in honor of the National Assembly delegation of Armenia.