Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan received a delegation led by Minister of Defense of the Republic of Cyprus Charalambos Petrides.

The Prime Minister thanked the government delegation of Cyprus for standing by Armenia on April 24 and for attending the commemorative events dedicated to the 106th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide.

“Your visit is another vivid evidence of the centuries-old friendship and solidarity that binds the Cypriot and Armenian peoples. We highly appreciate your support in the process of international recognition and condemnation of the Armenian Genocide,” Nikol Pashinyan said, noting that the two countries are facing common external challenges, and Armenia is eager to build close partnerships with Cyprus in different fields, including security and defense.

Minister Petrides conveyed warm greetings on behalf of the President of Cyprus and considered it an honor to be in Armenia on this symbolic day to commemorate the Genocide victims together with the friendly Armenian people. “Our peoples boast deep-rooted ties and are facing common challenges; we are keen to deepen the Armenian-Cypriot cooperation,” Charalambos Petrides pointed out.

The interlocutors went on to exchange views on regional developments and security issues. Prime Minister Pashinyan referred to the situation established following the war unleashed by Azerbaijan against Artsakh and humanitarian problems. He stressed that a priority task for his government is the repatriation of Armenian prisoners of war and other detainees who are still held in captivity in breach of the 8th clause of the trilateral statement of November 9. Minister Petrides expressed support in this matter on behalf of the Government of Cyprus.

The parties agreed that active efforts need to be exerted to build diversified partnerships in the face of current realities and emerging challenges. They explored ways of developing close interaction in the fields of defense, education, high technologies, discussed possibilities for holding an Armenian-Cypriot forum, boosting tourist flows through direct air communication. The importance of diplomatic missions was emphasized on both sides.