On February 22, Foreign Minister Ara Aivazian received a delegation headed by Toivo Klaar, the EU Special Representative for the South Caucasus and the Crisis in Georgia.

At the center of the conversation were the issues regarding regional security and stability. In the context of the humanitarian crisis resulting from the use of force by Azerbaijan in Artsakh and the social needs of the Armenians of Artsakh, the interlocutors highlighted the importance of the involvement of the international community on the ground.

Regarding the urgent humanitarian issues, the Foreign Minister of Armenia stressed the need for the immediate and safe repatriation of Armenian prisoners of war and captured civilians.

Minister Aivazian and EU Special Representative Klaar agreed that key issues for a peaceful settlement, including the status of Artsakh, should be addressed exclusively through negotiations within the framework of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairmanship. The EU Special Representative reiterated EU's support for the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairmanship and for the peace process that will lead to a lasting and just resolution.

Minister Aivazian also underlined the priority of restoring and protecting the rights of the Armenians of Artsakh displaced as a result of the recent Turkish-Azerbaijani aggression.

During the meeting the interlocutors exchanged views on the multifaceted agenda of the Armenia-EU partnership. Both sides commanded the completion of the ratification process of the Armenia-EU Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement. Minister Aivazian reiterated Armenia's commitment to the implementation of the reforms aimed at strengthening democracy, the rule of law and the protection of human rights.