Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan today received Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of Sweden to the Republic of Armenia Patrik Svensson.

Congratulating the Ambassador on assuming his diplomatic mission in our country, the Prime Minister expressed hope that Patrik Svensson’s activities might help open up a new chapter in the development of Armenian-Swedish relations. Nikol Pashinyan assured that the Armenian government is keen to intensify bilateral cooperation in all spheres of mutual interest. The Premier stressed that his government prioritizes the furtherance of reform processes in different directions, and therefore, our country appreciates close interaction and exchange of experience with Sweden.

Ambassador Svensson assured of his country’s readiness and firm determination to develop multifaceted relationships with Armenia and promote effective democratic reforms in our country. In his words, Sweden backs the implementation of Armenia’s reform agenda within the framework of the Eastern Partnership Program, including in terms of improving the business environment, reforming the judiciary system, protecting human rights, etc. Nikol Pashinyan and Patrik Svensson stressed the need to develop economic exchanges between the two countries. The Premier said his government is keen to get Swedish businesses involved in Armenia’s economy.

The interlocutors next referred to the regional situation and the settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. The Prime Minister thanked the Swedish government for their balanced position on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. He noted that humanitarian issues, in particular, the repatriation of POWs, stand high on Armenia’s political agenda. Nikol Pashinyan underscored that the Armenian side is prepared to resume the negotiation process on the settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict in the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairing format.

The Prime Minister of Armenia stressed the need for the international community to exercise control over the preservation of the Armenian cultural heritage in Nagorno-Karabakh through various mechanisms. Ambassador Svensson pointed out that Sweden supports the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs in their efforts to intensify the peace process and achieve a comprehensive settlement.

The parties discussed other issues of mutual interest during the meeting.