Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan today received Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Belarus to the Republic of Armenia Igor Nazaruk, who is completing his diplomatic mission in Armenia.

The Prime Minister appreciated the Ambassador’s tenure-long efforts aimed at developing the Armenian-Belarusian relations and wished him every success in his future activities. Nikol Pashinyan said a high-level political dialogue has been established between the leaders of Armenia and Belarus, underpinned by traditionally friendly relations between the two countries and peoples, which can provide a solid groundwork for continued development and full implementation of existing potentialities. The Prime Minister highlighted the ongoing dialogue and reliable partnership in the frame of integration associations - CSTO, EAEU.

Nikol Pashinyan touched upon the provocative actions of Azerbaijan on the Armenian-Azerbaijani border, which were launched on July 12 and continue to this day. The head of the Armenian government stressed the need for Armenia’s CSTO partners to abide by a constructive position.

Coming to the cooperation underway within the EAEU, Nikol Pashinyan said there is a great deal of untapped development potential in terms of economic exchanges, and consistent work could help boost mutual trade turnover and investments.

The Ambassador of Belarus thanked Prime Minister Pashinyan for appreciation and kind remarks. Igor Nazaruk assured that he had made every effort to strengthen ties between the two countries. He noted that the volume of bilateral trade had more than doubled during his term of office, which evidenced the positive dynamics of cooperation and a mutual readiness to deepen it.

Touching on the ongoing and future programs, the Ambassador highlighted the efforts to set up an Armenian-Belarusian forest off the shores of Lake Sevan, noting that work is continuing in this direction. He emphasized the importance of resuming the activities of the Armenian-Belarusian intergovernmental commission.

Igor Nazaruk noted that an effective political dialogue and strong ties of partnership have been developed between Armenia and Belarus as part of integration associations. He emphasized in this context the importance of holding a meeting of the Eurasian Intergovernmental Council in the near future.

The Ambassador expressed deep concern over the tense situation on the Armenian-Azerbaijani border and condemned the recent escalation.

The parties exchanged information on the anti-epidemic efforts and preventive measures implemented by the governments of Armenia and Belarus. They expressed confidence that joint efforts could help the two countries overcome the crisis.

The Ambassador of Belarus voiced his deep respect and love for Armenia, the Armenian people and culture, noting that he will warmly remember the years of his diplomatic mission in our country. Prime Minister Pashinyan thanked the outgoing Ambassador for his kind remarks, stressing that Igor Nazaruk will remain a good friend of Armenia and the Armenian people.