EDWARD NALBANDYAN CONDUCTS A NUMBER OF MEETINGS WITH HIS COUNTERPARTS

ARMENPRESS
SEPTEMBER 28, 2009
YEREVAN

YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 28, ARMENPRESS: Armenian Foreign Minister Edward
Nalbandyan, who is in New York on a working visit, participated
September 26 in the gathering of the foreign ministers of the CSTO.

Armenian Foreign Ministry Media and Information Department told
Armenpress that the CSTO ministers discussed a number of issues of the
agenda, particularly combination of the foreign political activity in
UN and other international establishments, European and International
security issues as well as UN GA agenda issues.

On the same day Edward Nalbandyan met with the foreign ministers of
Russia, Austria, Switzerland, Serbia, Kazakhstan, Australia, Canada
and Iran.

During the meeting with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov the
sides discussed a number of bilateral, regional and international
issues. Nalbandyan presented to Lavrov the steps carried out toward
normalization of Armenian-Turkish relations.

At the meeting with Serbian Foreign Minister Vuk Yeremic, the two sides
expressed delight toward the recent activation in bilateral cooperation
in different spheres which became more notable after the visit of
the Serbian president to Yerevan. Edward Nalbandyan presented to his
Serbian counterpart the normalization process of Armenian-Turkish
relations and recent developments over Nagorno Karabakh conflict. Vuk
Yeremic, expressing gratitude for the Armenia’s balanced position in
Kosovo issue, presented the process of discussion of the Kosovo issue
in the International Justice Court and the expectations of the Serbian
side. He reconfirmed invitation to Nalbandyan to visit Belgrade.

During the meeting with newly appointed Kazakh foreign minister Kanat
Saudabayev, the Armenian minister congratulated him on the appointment
and expressed Armenia’s readiness to support Kazakhstan in its next
year’s chairmanship in OSCE. The two ministers discussed in details
the ways of development of cooperation, issues on OSCE activity.

At the mee ter Spindel Eger the sides discussed ways of expanding
bilateral cooperation, Armenia-EU relations and opportunities of
partnership within its framework.

With the request of Austrian minister, Nalbandyan presented the
process and prospects of normalization of Armenian-Turkish relations.

An interesting discussion has also been elaborated during the meeting
of the Armenian and Australian ministers. They exchanged thoughts
over a number of international issues. Stefen Smith underscored the
contribution of the Australian Armenian community in different spheres
of the country, noting that it may be a peculiar bridge for expansion
of cooperation between Armenia and Australia. For continuing the
started dialogue, Edward Nalbandyan invited his Australian counterpart
to visit Yerevan.

At the meeting with Canadian Foreign Minister Lorence Cannon,
the two ministers discussed issues on cooperation between the two
countries in international organizations. The sides also referred to
the Armenian-Turkish relations.

On the same day Edward Nalbandyan met with Iranian Foreign Minister
Manuchehr Mottaki. The two ministers discussed agenda issues of
bilateral relations and regional developments. With the request
of Iranian foreign minister Nalbandyan presented the current
process of normalization of Armenian-Turkish relations. The Iranian
foreign minister informed his Armenian counterpart about the recent
developments connected with Iran’s nuclear program.

During the meeting with the head of the Swiss Foreign Affairs Federal
Department Micheline Calmy-Ray the Armenian foreign minister referred
to the issues on expansion of cooperation between the two countries,
noting that the newly opened office of Swiss representation in
Yerevan may have a serious role in it. The Armenian minister also
expressed gratitude for supporting in normalization of Armenian-Turkish
relations.