Talk with Ambassador: Tatoul Markarian (PHOTOS)

Armenian News-NEWS.am, together with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Armenia, continues its series of interviews entitled “Talk with Ambassador.” This week our guest is Armenia’s Ambassador to Belgium Tatoul Markarian. Below is an abridged version of our talk with Ambassador Markarian.

Mr. Ambassador, what are the present-day level of Armenian-Belgian relations?

Armenian-Belgian relations are traditionally defined by a high level of political dialogue. The high-level contacts between our countries are regular.

Successful Armenian-Belgian cooperation continues within international platforms, including within the framework of European organizations. Interparliamentary ties are actively developing.

The RA [i.e. Republic of Armenia] Embassy in Belgium maintains an active connection not solely with the [Belgian] federal authorities, but the three federal regions, which have quite large power in Belgium.

What steps is the Embassy taking to increase the chances of exporting Armenian products to Belgium, and promote Belgium investments in Armenia?

The trade with Belgium plays a significant role in our country’s foreign trade. The exporting of Armenia’s diamond products has a primary place among the goods being exported to Belgium.

The RA Embassy in Belgium regularly organizes events to present Armenia’s economic potential, business climate, [and] contributes to the establishment of ties between the business circles of the two countries.

To what extent is the [Belgian-]Armenian community active?

Naturally, the Embassy collaborates with the Diaspora-Armenian institutions, organizations as well as individuals, always attends the Diaspora-organized events, [and] contributes to the community representatives’ participation in the events that are important for the Armenian people.

The RA Embassy [also] contributes to making the activities aimed at resolving our national issues more systematic.

You are also the Head of the RA Mission to the European Union [EU]. How do you assess the current level of Armenia-European Union relations?

Armenia’s relations with the European Union are one of the most important directions of our country’s foreign policy. The EU has great importance in terms of Armenia’s foreign engagement.

The contacts are now quite active. Armenia’s readiness to continue comprehensive cooperation with the European Union has been clearly stressed. The discussions are currently underway toward clarifying the legal and political foundations for EU-Armenia bilateral relations.

Armenia and the European Union have regularly held meetings in all available formats.

It is also important that the EU focuses on the Nagorno-Karabakh peace process, maintaining its position by expressing its support to the OSCE Minsk Group format to resolve the matter.

Mr. Ambassador, this year marks the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. What programs are carried out in Belgium in this regard?

During the last few months, the RA Embassy in Belgium has carried out work to inform the country’s authorities about the Armenian Genocide centenary commemorations.

Packed out events will be held in Belgium’s major cities. [In addition,] the concerts by world-renowned System of a Down band and popular pianist Tigran Hamasyan will be held in Brussels.

Ahead of the 100th anniversary of Armenian Genocide, work is also done in the European Parliament.