European Parliament president, Jerzy Buzek plants a tree at Dzidzernagapert

YEREVAN—During a meeting Wednesday with President Serzh Sarkisian, visiting European Parliament president, Jerzy Buzek said throughout history, Armenia has always been part of Europe.

The meeting between the two leaders centered on strengthening cooperation between Armenia and Europe and Sarkisian stressed that frequent meetings and the active dialogue with representatives of the European community have positively impacted Armenia’s policy of European integration.

Sarkisian said, the Armenia-EU relations have been dynamically developing over the past years, encompassing not only the fields of foreign policy and trade, but also domestic reforms targeted at ensuring the prosperity of the people.

“Armenia is willing to continue the path of reforms on the basis of the European experience and with the EU support,” said Sarkisian adding that cooperation with the EU is one of Armenia’s foreign policy priorities.

Buzek expressed confidence in the success of reforms in Armenia, which he said can serve as an example for other countries that have chosen the European integration path.

He added that Armenia’s history had always been tied with Europe, saying “You have always been part of Europe throughout your history.”

At a press conference following the meeting, Buzek said that although the European Parliament did not consider Nagorno-Karabakh an independent state, it will not prevent the body in providing assistance to the people living in the region.

He stressed that the needs of ordinary people living in this territory and their desire to communicate with citizens of foreign countries should be forgotten.

“We must provide humanitarian aid to these people, regardless of unresolved political conflict. It is better to extend a hand of friendship than be in war,” said Buzek, adding that security guarantees should be ensured throughout Europe.

Also on Wednesday, Buzek visited the Dzidzernagapert Memorial Monument and Museum and laid a wreath in honor of the victims of the Armenian Genocide.

He also toured the Armenian Genocide Museum-Institute, where he wrote a message in the Commemoration Book. He then planted a fir tree at the Memorial Alley of the Dzidzernagapert Complex.