High-level talks between Armenian and Canadian Prime Ministers Nikol Pashinyan and Justin Trudeau continued on October 13 in an expanded format of official delegations. Addressing Justin Trudeau, Nikol Pashinyan stated, in part, “Mr. Prime Minister, your visit has aroused great interest and hosts of positive feelings Armenia. I hope that the talks will help us translate the positive feelings into specific deeds and agreements. Now, we need to get down to work in order to materialize those good moods by developing joint projects and record more tangible results. Once again, I bid you welcome to our country. We see a good friend in your person, and I hope you perceive Armenia and our government the same way.”

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said, “Thank you, dear Nicol. In fact, these feelings are reciprocated between Armenia and Canada. I would like to once again compliment you and the people of Armenia on turning the Francophonie Summit into a brilliant and extraordinary event. It is not that easy to host such a high-profile international event; it was really given an exceptional organization. Taking to each other, we will definitely try to make it easier for our people to communicate by facilitating air communication and creating a propitious environment for investments so that we could help business people develop the economy in a bid to bring about greater prosperity with a focus on political affairs and your efforts on the way to democracy. I look forward to doing a fruitful work with you.”

Nikol Pashinyan and Justin Trudeau discussed a wide range of issues on the agenda of Armenian-Canadian relations. Mindful of the need to boost political, economic, business, cultural, humanitarian and other ties, the two prime ministers first of all highlighted the importance of facilitating air communication between Armenia and Canada and taking specific steps to that effect. To this end, the parties agreed to direct the relevant agencies to start negotiations and submit a package of proposals.

Nikol Pashinyan introduced the steps and reforms aimed at developing Armenia’s economy by changing its structure and curbing corruption. In this context, he emphasized that his government is interested in attracting foreign investments and stands ready to support any such activity as would meet the following two preconditions: comply with the applicable law and pay taxes.

“We want to create a new situation, a new environment and new opportunities,” the Head of Government said and asked Justin Trudeau to convey to Canadian business circles the logic of those processes taking place in Armenia and his government’s readiness for cooperation. The Prime Minister highlighted the possibility of effective cooperation in the fields of water management, including reservoirs, infrastructure improvement, and natural resource management. Nikol Pashinyan said Armenia keen to master Canada’s experience as regards the licensing, management and supervision of mining activities.

The Prime Minister of Canada welcomed the reforms carried out by the Government of Armenia and expressed willingness to cooperate over the priorities highlighted by Armenia’s Prime Minister in an effort to implement specific projects of mutual interest and deepen the Armenian-Canadian ties.

The meeting next focused on the development of democracy, effective governance, civil society and women’s involvement in public and political processes. Information was exchanged on the current situation in Armenia and Canada. In this connection, the Canadian Premier stressed the importance of creating equal opportunities for women and men. He said women can be serious actors in promoting democratic processes, improving economic progress and governance, and should be encouraged.

Concurring with Justin Trudeau’s views, Prime Minister Pashinyan underscored that women had played an important role in the success of the Velvet Revolution in Armenia, and the Armenian government is interested in promoting their involvement in our country’s social and political life, management system and business.

The parties exchanged views on international issues and global challenges, including the settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. Nikol Pashinyan briefed his counterpart on the essence of the NK conflict, stressing that it is not a territorial dispute as Azerbaijan is trying to insinuate. At stake is Artsakh people’s wish to live in freedom and safety, and Armenia considers it important for our international partners to be informed about the talks process and the situation.

Nikol Pashinyan pointed out that Armenia believes that the conflict should be settled exclusively by peaceful means in the internationally accepted format through the OSCE Minsk Group-brokered negotiations. The Canadian Premier highlighted the need for continued negotiations on the Nagorno- Karabakh conflict in the internationally accepted format.

The two prime ministers next talked about the imperative of addressing humanitarian emergencies, including the problem of war-affected Syrian refugees. Nikol Pashinyan said Armenia will never forget that the Canadian government has hosted Syrian refugees, including Syrian-Armenian families.

In turn, the Canadian Prime Minister hailed Armenia’s experience in accepting, sheltering and caring for refugees’ humanitarian needs and integrating Syrian refugees, describing it as exemplary.

Nikol Pashinyan thanked Justin Trudeau for Canada’s steadfast position in the recognition and condemnation of the Armenian Genocide.

Highly appreciative of the Armenian community’s active stance in his country’s social and political life, Justin Trudeau emphasized that Canada will always be with friendly Armenia and the Armenian people.