Deputy Foreign Minister Danny Ayalon initiated a phone conversation July 25 with his counterpart, Armenian Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Arman Kirakossian.

DFM Ayalon thanked Kirakossian for the friendly relationship, and mentioned the historical ties and cultural similarities between the two nations. DFM Ayalon emphasized the importance Israel attaches to the continuous development of diplomatic relations and practical cooperation with Armenia. He further stated that it would be his pleasure to visit Yerevan, and invited DFM Kirakossian to visit Israel. DFM Ayalon reiterated the special sensitivity we, as Jews, feel regarding the Armenian tragedy.

Deputy Foreign Minister Ayalon also noted that Israel supports the efforts of the OSCE (Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe) Minsk Group to reach a negotiated resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh issue.