35th anniversary of Armenia's independence celebrated in Belgium
On September 21, the 35th anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Armenia was solemnly celebrated at the prestigious Cercle Royal Gaulois in Brussels.
The reception organized on the occasion of Armenia’s National Day was attended by senior representatives of Belgium’s legislative and executive branches, Members of the European Parliament, officials from the European Commission and the European External Action Service, ambassadors and diplomats of EU member states, Permanent Representatives accredited to NATO, representatives of the cultural community, civil society, as well as leaders of Armenian community organizations in Belgium.
The guests of honor at the event were David Clarinval, Deputy Prime Minister of Belgium and Minister for Employment, Economy and Agriculture, and Andrius Kubilius, European Commissioner for Defence and Space, who delivered welcoming remarks. The senior officials highlighted Armenia’s distinctive role in the context of cooperation with Belgium and the EU institutions, pointing to concrete examples of partnership and support in recent years. The Deputy Prime Minister of Belgium and the EU Commissioner reaffirmed their unwavering support for Armenia, expressing hope that relations would continue to deepen and encompass new areas of cooperation.
In his remarks, Ambassador of the Republic of Armenia Tigran Balayan addressed the unprecedented progress, key achievements, and next steps in Armenia-Belgium and Armenia-European Union partnership relations. The Ambassador emphasized the importance of independent statehood, sovereignty, the rule of law, and economic diversification, as well as the role of a foreign policy grounded in these values, stressing the imperative of addressing existing challenges and complex issues.
According to the Ambassador, Armenia today holds a unique and indispensable place within the European Union’s strategic vision, while relations with the Kingdom of Belgium are experiencing unprecedented momentum, expanding a multifaceted partnership in the fields of security and defence.
Ambassador Balayan noted that Armenia is currently experiencing a historic period that provides the Armenian people with an opportunity to assume a leading role in a number of crucial areas, consistently develop the country’s own capabilities, and ensure a stable and secure future for the country.
The festive evening was complemented by a reception featuring Armenia’s rich cuisine, performances of traditional Armenian music, and exhibitions showcasing Armenian products, as well as Armenia’s landmarks and cultural heritage.
