ARMENIAN FOREIGN MINISTER DISCUSSES DEVELOPMENT OF FRENCH-ARMENIAN COOPERATION WITH HIS FRENCH COUNTERPART
ARMENPRESS
Oct 8, 2009
YEREVAN, OCTOBER 8, ARMENPRESS: Armenian Foreign Minister Edward
Nalbandyan who is in Paris on a working visit met October 7 with the
French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner. This is the second meeting
of the two ministers during this year. Armenian Foreign Ministry’s
Media and Information Department told Armenpress that the ministers,
highly underscoring the friendly, close relations between the two
countries, highlighted the undertaking of steps toward the further
development of cooperation.
The two ministers discussed in details Armenia-EU relations and the
prospects of their development. The interlocutors also discussed
Karabakh conflict regulation process. Edward Nalbandyan highly
underscored the constructive involvement of France as OSCE Minsk
Group co-chair.
The ministers exchanged thoughts over the process of normalization
of Armenian-Turkish relations. In this respect the French minister
welcomed the process and expressed hope that soon notable results
will be seen.
Before the meeting the Armenian and French ministers signed an
agreement on eliminating the entrance visa regime for the people
having diplomatic passports. This agreement is the first step of
facilitation of getting entrance visa to EU countries.
Afterwards Edward Nalbandyan met with the diplomatic consultant to
the French president Jan-David Levit. During the meeting the sides
discussed a wide range of issues on expansion of friendly cooperation
between Armenia and France. The two sides also discussed a number of
regional and international issues.
On the same day Edward Nalbandyan participated in the 32d session
of UNESCO General Conference dedicated to the discussion of the main
ways of activity of the organization for the coming two years.
The foreign minister delivered an extended speech in which he referred
to the Armenia-UNESCO cooperation, role of UNESCO in protection of
cultural heritage. He condemned the on of Armenian cultural heritage
and called on the international community to implement joint efforts
to prevent such activity.
On the same day Edward Nalbandyan met with the newly elected general
director of UNESCO Irina Bokova. Congratulating her on being elected
in the office, Armenian foreign minister expressed hope that she will
have a notable contribution to the implementation of UNESCO goals.
The minister also expressed gratitude for the UNESCO support to the
conduction of "Cultural Policy and Culture for Policy" international
conference in Yerevan.
October 7, wrapping up his working visit to Paris, Edward Nalbandyan
departed for Kishinev.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress
