YEREVAN. – President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan on Thursday received a delegation led by Els van Hoof, member of the Chamber of Representatives of the Kingdom of Belgium, Chairperson of the Belgium-Armenia Friendship Group.

The President stressed the importance of the parliamentary diplomacy in the strengthening of state relations. Highlighting that in Armenia Belgium is traditionally perceived as a friendly state and a trustworthy partner, Sargsyan expressed the hope that the visit of the Belgian parliamentarians will give new impetus to bilateral relations and cooperation. The President of Armenia also welcomed the Belgian MPs’ forthcoming visit to the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic (NKR/Artsakh), where they will have an opportunity to learn firsthand the essence of the Karabakh conflict, and acquire a better understanding of the aspirations of the people of Artsakh, their concerns, daily lives, and achievements over more than two decades.

In addition, President Sargsyan expressed gratitude to the people and authorities of Belgium for the recognition of Armenian Genocide, and noted that the Armenian people highly value this step and view it as Belgium’s resolute commitment to the condemnation and prevention of genocides.

At the ensuing talk, the parties stressed the importance of active parliamentary contacts, especially the activities of the Friendship Group in the strengthening and deepening of relations between Armenia and Belgium.

President Sargsyan also responded to the questions raised by the Belgian parliamentarians.

At the meeting, the President of Armenia awarded Georges Dallemagne – a member of the Chamber of Representatives of Belgium – with the Medal of Appreciation for his significant contribution to the development of the Armenian-Belgian friendship ties, and expansion of parliamentary cooperation between the Republic of Armenia and the Kingdom of Belgium. He underscored that Dallemagne worked in Armenia back in 1988, at a difficult time for the Armenian nation, and fulfilled his professional duties as a doctor, after the devastating earthquake that had hit the country.

Georges Dallemagne, for his part, said receiving such a high award was a great honor for him. He underscored that he keeps Armenia in his heart for the last 28 years, and he stands ready to be useful to the two countries and peoples, today, too.