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 President Serzh Sargsyan, who was in the Kingdom of Belgium on a working visit, yesterday, on March 5, in Brussels met with the representatives of the Armenian community of Belgium. As the correspondent of Panorama.am reports, Armenian Ambassador to Belgium Avet Adonts, as well as members of delegation headed by the RA President were present at the meeting.

Meeting kicked off with the introduction speech of the president during which he spoke about the relations developed between Armenia, Belgium, EU and NATO, as well as about issues concerning the Diaspora. President noted that Armenia has recorded progress in EU relations and today negotiates on European Union Association Agreement (AA) and Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement, as well as on facilitating the visa regime.

President also mentioned that Armenia expects to have the support of Armenian Diaspora in this and other fields. Diaspora is an indispensable force and in case of unification we can achieve success, he said. President also noticed that Armenian community is a bridge between that country and its fatherland and he wishes that bridge was strong and steadfast.

In the second part of the meeting the Belgian-Armenians posed questions to the President and received answers and explanations about the issues concerning them. Just like in other Armenian communities in Belgium as well the Armenians are concerned with the regional issues: Armenian – Turkish relations, NKR conflict settlement.

Remarking on issues and concerns raised over the topic, President Serzh Sargsyan has stated there is no advancement in relations with Turkey and that the process is suspended, he has also referred to the process over Karabakh conflict resolution. In this respect Belgian Armenians have expressed concerns over Azerbaijani increasing lobbying activities; however president encouraged them to remain united and to resist it introducing the truth. According to him Armenians should seek for the resistance resource inside the communities and the country.

In this respect the forthcoming elections in Armenia are additional resources, which, if held in accord with the international standards, can strengthen country’s reputation. This remark has not been suspected during the meeting and the Belgian Armenians were interested in Armenia’s interior political developments. President Serzh Sargsyan told about their intentions to hold free and fair elections as the Electoral Code is in accord with the international standards and efforts are put forth to carry out high-quality elections.

The Armenian community was also interested in issues strengthening their relations with the motherland. President underlined those programs being implemented by the Ministry of Diaspora.

Asked what expectations Armenia has from Diaspora, president Serzh Sargsyan highlighted active community life, which contributes to familiarization of their motherland, hence facilitates country’s apprehension by foreign community and state.