On May 2, Edward Nalbandian, who is in Helsinki for an official visit, met Timo Soini, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Finland.

The Ministers agreed upon facilitation of high-level mutual visits, consultations between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of the two states, intensifying of cooperation within international organizations.

The Ministers thoroughly discussed a wide range of issues on bilateral agenda. The sides attached importance to fostering of contacts between the Parliaments. Foreign Ministers of Armenia and Finland exchanged thoughts on issues of the development of cooperation in economic, cultural, educational and other areas. The Ministers emphasized the necessity of expansion of the legal framework.

Armenia-EU relations, negotiations on a new legal basis for the relations between the European Union and Armenia were reflected on. Edward Nalbandian stressed that Armenia attaches significance to the strengthening of mutually beneficial cooperation with the EU.

The Foreign Minister of Armenia presented to his Finnish counterpart the launch of the aggressive military actions by Azerbaijan against Nagorno-Karabakh in the early April, efforts exerted by Armenia and the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs for overcoming its consequences.

Edward Nalbandian highlighted that, despite the appeals of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs and the international community to unconditionally implementation the 1994-1995 trilateral ceasefire agreements, Azerbaijan continues to violate ceasefire, concentrating heavy weaponry and military forces along the entire Line of Contact, increasing its warmongering and launching a provocative propaganda campaign on international arena, in an attempt to accuse the Armenian side in exactly what it is itself doing, thus preparing ground for new military attacks which can have unpredictable negative far-reaching consequences for the whole region. “It is high time for the international community to take concrete steps to bring Azerbaijan to order”, stressed Edward Nalbandian.

Minister Nalbandian mentioned that Armenia is committed to an exclusively peaceful settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh issue, and for the creation of necessary conditions for the resumption of negotiations to which there is no alternative, it is crucial to implement the Co-Chairs’ proposal to create a mechanism of investigation of the ceasefire regime violations, and to guarantee the unconditional implementation of the ceasefire agreements of 1994 and 1995.

With that respect Timo Soini stressed, that Finland fully supports the efforts of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs and initiatives on securing of respective atmosphere for the negotiations. Minister for Foreign Affairs of Finland added, that the Nagorno-Karabakh issue should be settled only through peaceful means, negotiations.

The Foreign Ministers of Armenia and Finland discussed pressing regional and international issues, including implementation of Iran nuclear deal, situation unfolded in the Middle East, migration crisis, and fight against terrorism.

Edward Nalbandian invited Timo Soini to visit Armenia.

Joint press-conference of the Ministers followed the meeting.