President Serzh Sargsyan received the member of the Belgian House of Representatives, Chairman of the Belgium-Armenia Friendship Group Els van Hoof

President Serzh Sargsyan received today delegation headed by the member of the House of Representatives of the Kingdom of Belgium, Chairman of the Belgium-Armenia Friendship Group Els van Hoof. The President welcomed the guest to our country and stressed the importance of the parliamentary diplomacy in the strengthening of the interstate relations. Underlining that in Armenia Belgium is traditionally perceived as a friendly state and a trustworthy partner relations with whom are based on the warm historical connections, similar system of values and a comparable vision of development, Serzh Sargsyan expressed hope that the visit of the Belgian parliamentarians will give a new impetus to the bilateral relations and cooperation in different areas. The President of Armenia welcomed also the visit of the Belgian parliamentarians to Artsakh where they will have the opportunity to learn firsthand the essence of NK problem and acquire a better understanding of the aspirations of the people of Artsakh, their concerns, daily life, and achievements of more than two decades.

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

At the meeting, the parties stressed the importance of active interparliamentary contacts and particularly activities of the Friendship Group in the strengthening and deepening of the relations between Armenia and Belgium.

President Sargsyan responded also to the questions raised by the Belgian parliamentarians. At the meeting, the President of Armenia awarded George Dalman - member of the House of Representatives of Belgium with the Medal of Appreciation for his significant contribution to the development of the Armenian-Belgian friendly ties, expansion of the inter-parliamentary cooperation between the Republic of Armenia and the Kingdom of Belgium. He underscored that Mr. Dalman worked in Armenia back in 1988, at difficult for our nation times and fulfilled his professional duties as a doctor after a devastating earthquake.

George Dalman said that receiving such a high award was a great honor and underscore that he keeps Armenia in his heart for the last 28 years and today too is ready to be useful to our two countries and peoples.