President Vahagn Khachaturyan of Armenia on Tuesday received Queen Mathilde of Belgium, the president’s office informs.

The president welcomed the Queen Mathilde’s visit to Armenia, and lauded her leadership as a champion of the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

“It is a great honor for us to host you. Your visit’s objective — advocating for the UN Sustainable Development Goals — will undoubtedly be highly beneficial for the Republic of Armenia, allowing us [Armenia] to fully meet the commitments undertaken for 2030. We highly value your leadership in this domain, and your engagement in such important issues affecting humanity,” said the Armenian president.

In turn, Queen Mathilde expressed gratitude for the warm welcome, and noted that she is impressed by Armenia and pleased to be in the country in connection with promoting the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

During the meeting, programs being implemented within the framework of the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the steps being taken to advance them were discussed. The parties underscored the role of education as a cornerstone for overcoming global humanitarian challenges and achieving sustainable societal development.

The discussion addressed Armenia-Belgium bilateral relations also. The importance of expanding cooperation in high-tech sectors of the economy, promoting innovative solutions, and implementing joint initiatives was highlighted. President Khachaturyan stressed that the Armenia-Belgium partnership, based on mutual trust, can take on a new quality in science, education, and digital technology.

The parties exchanged views also on the 17th Conference of the Parties to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (COP17), as well as the European Political Community summit, to be held in Armenia in 2026. In this context, it was noted that Armenia approaches international environmental initiatives with great responsibility, and seeks to be an active participant in global efforts to address environmental challenges.

The discussion highlighted also the efforts to establish peace in Armenia’s region. Both sides underscored that peace and cooperation are central values of international relations and that strengthening them is a key condition for the progress of states and peoples.