YEREVAN. - Armenia’s Prsesident Serzh Sargsyan today received Ivica Dačić, the OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Serbian first Deputy PM and FM, as well as the delegation headed by him. 

Sargsyan highly appreciated the OSCE activity and its role not only as the main institution dealing with the normalization of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, but also an organization whose activities are aimed at maintaining security in the entire Europe. He underscored that Armenia is willing to always support Serbia in fulfilling its priorities during the entire process of the country’s presidency in the OSCE.

Sargsyan expressed satisfaction with the present efficient cooperation with the OSCE Office in Yerevan, noting that Armenia is willing to continue and deepen that cooperation.

The officials also discussed the agenda and development perspectives of the Armenian-Serbian bilateral relations. 

Sarsyan noted that Serbian President Tomislav Nikolić’s presence in the Armenian Genocide Commemoration Ceremony held in capital Yerevan on April 24 served not only as the best expression of the Armenian-Serbian friendship, but also as the confirmation of Serbia’s commitment to struggle against the crimes against humanity.

The interlocutors agreed that the opening of diplomatic representations in Yerevan and Belgrade will give new impetus to the Armenian-Serbian friendly relations in all areas. 

Ivica Dačić stressed that Serbia is also interested in enhancing its relations with Armenia and deepening the bilateral cooperation through certain measures and implementation of mutually beneficial programs. 

Dačić praised the cooperation between the Armenian authorities and different OSCE institutions, including the OSCE Office in Yerevan.

The officials also touched on the mediatory efforts of the OSCE Minsk Group in Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement, as well as the existing problems and regional challenges at the present stage of the negotiation process.   

Armenia’s President stressed that Armenia will continue its cooperation with the Minsk Group seeking settlement of the conflict pursuant to the principles proposed by the Minsk Group, including the norms and principles of international law, the UN Charter and key provisions of the Helsinki Final Act.