Armenia welcomes a declaration adopted by the Latvian parliament to recognize the Armenian Genocide, the Foreign Ministry said on Thursday, May 6, hailing the move as a step towards the universal recognition and condemnation of the Armenian Genocide.

The Foreign Ministry noted in a statement that the declaration is important not only in terms of historical justice and truth, but also in terms of preventing such crimes in the future.

"The universal recognition of the Armenian Genocide is one of the most important guarantees for the security of the Armenian people in the region," the statement said.

"We share the position of the Latvian Parliament that the recognition of such crimes is aimed at building a future where human rights are respected, and every individual can be free and safe."

Latvia officially recognized and condemned the Armenian Genocide, Yerevan's Ambassador to Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia Tigran Mkrtchyan said on Thursday. In the resolution, the Saeima said Latvia condemns the crimes, massacres and forced deportations committed by the Ottoman authorities against the Armenian people, respects the memory of the victims of the Armenian Genocide and honors the survivors, as well as urges the international community to give a proper assessment of the historical events.