YEREVAN. – National Assembly (NA) Vice President Eduard Sharmazanov, who also heads the NA Armenia-Latvia Friendship Group, on Thursday met with Latvian Ambassador to Armenia Elita Gavele, whose diplomatic residence is in the Georgian capital city of Tbilisi.

The ambassador noted that the objective of her visit to Armenia is to discuss issues regarding Armenia-European Union (EU) relations and bilateral cooperation, before the completion of Latvian Presidency in the Council of the European Union.

Sharmazanov, for his part, highlighted the further development and deepening of Armenian-Latvian friendship relations. Touching upon Armenia’s participation in the recent Riga Summit of the EU Eastern Partnership, the NA deputy speaker stressed that the summit proved that Armenia-EU relations should continue to develop as normal. In his words, Armenia, despite joining the—Russia-led—Eurasian Economic Union, still highlights dialogue with the EU.

In terms of ensuring regional security, Eduard Sharmazanov emphasized the need for a peaceful settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and within the framework of the OSCE Minsk Group. He added that the avenue for conflict settlement is not war, which Azerbaijan propagates.

Speaking about Armenian-Turkish relations, the NA vice-chairman considered inadmissible—in the 21st century—the blockade of Armenia by Turkey, which aspires to become an EU member. In his view, such position of the Turkish authorities does not stem from the interests of regional security.

The parties also highlighted the mutual visits at parliamentary and governmental level, and the strengthening of bilateral ties and deepening of cooperation.