Republican Party of Armenia

 On July 17 the Chair of the RA NA Standing Committee on Foreign Relations Artak Zakaryan and the Committee member Mher Shahgeldyan met with the delegation from the Parliament of the Kingdom of the Netherlands , headed by Mark Verheijen, Member of the House of Representatives, the EU spokesman for the People's Party for Freedom and Democracy .
The parties discussed issues of mutual concern; the active and dynamic development of bilateral relations, continuity of Armenia-EU cooperation, further possibilities of the Eastern Partnership were highlighted.
At the guest’s request, touching upon Armenia-EU relations after Armenia ’s decision to join the Customs Union and the Eurasian Economic Union, Artak Zakaryan noted that actively engaged in joining the Eurasian Economic Union, Armenia also strives to continue developing the bilateral and multilateral cooperation with various European countries, including with the Kingdom of the Netherlands . Mr. Zakaryan stated that the Russian Federation is Armenia ’s strategic partner and ally, and Armenia is going to continue developing its relations with the RF. It was mentioned that Armenia implements a balanced foreign policy, stemming from the problems existing in the region and necessity to ensure security. In this context the Republic of Armenia highlights the cooperation also with the EU.
According to Mr. Zakaryan, the RA will strive to play a bridging role between different economic unions. Speaking of the developments in Ukrain, Mr. Zakaryan noted that they have a negative impact on the Eastern Partnership, as well as on the South Caucuses region, increasing tension in the NK conflict settlement and expressed hope that the problem would be possible to solve through peaceful negotiations.
The NA Deputy Mher Shahgeldyan represented his point of view on the issues discussed at the meeting. He also spoke of Armenian-Turkish relations, stating that Turkey ’s response was negative to Armenia ’s endeavors in the direction of opening borders with Turkey .
On the same day the Chair of the RA NA Standing Committee on European Integration Naira Zohrabyan also met with the delegation led by Mark Verheijen, Member of the House of Representatives of the Kingdom of the Netherlands , the EU spokesman for the People's Party for Freedom and Democracy .
At the guest’s request, the Committee Chair introduced the current situation of Armenia ’s relations with the EU and the Eurasian Economic Union. Touching upon the development and deepening of inter-parliamentary ties, Naira Zohrabyan underscored that, unfortunately, inter-parliamentary ties between the Netherlands and Armenia are weak, mentioning that parliamentary diplomacy is much more flexible and may be one step ahead of the official diplomacy. The parties arranged to further intensify parliamentary ties. Naira Zohrabyan mentioned that she understands the Netherlands ’ serious economic interests in Azerbaijan ; however, she recorded that any “oil or caviar” interest shouldn’t win through fundamental values of human rights. She regretted to say that in the very EU some Dutch MPs are among Azerbaijani active lobbyists, and have their honorary place among Azeri “caviar eaters”.
The parties also discussed the NK problem, other regional and inner-political issues as well. Naira Zohrabyan asked for the Dutch MP’s intervention in the opening of an Armenian primary school in the city of Almelo .