Armenia aims to deepen relations with the EU, said Armenian Foreign Minister Zohrab Mnatsakanyan on Thursday at a press conference with his Dutch counterpart Stef Blok.

"Our intention and the intention of the EU to work together to deepen relations," the minister noted adding that high-level contacts with the new leadership in Brussels will continue.

Asked to comment on Amsterdam’s position on the visa regime's liberalization with Armenia, Stef Blok noted that this is a European process, the European Commission should evaluate it, and the Dutch government will take this into account. As for the political processes in Armenia, Minister Blok is delighted. He said that the Armenian people decide their own future, and it is not up to him to judge, but the fact is that the Netherlands has always advocated freedom of speech and human rights.

He expressed hope that the Armenian people will continue the process. 

Zohrab Mnatsakanyan, in his trun, noted that the protection of human rights for Armenia is one of the most important areas. Armenia is a member of a number of relevant international structures, and is developing cooperation with the Netherlands in this regard.

Prevention of violations is very important for Armenia, and Armenia and the Netherlands have common approaches in this issue, he said.