EUROPE ONCE AGAIN WELCOMES STEPS TOWARD ESTABLISHMENT OF ARMENIAN-TURKISH RELATIONS

Tert
Oct 27 2009
Armenia

The Armenia-European Union Cooperation Council’s 10th annual session
took place on October 26 in Luxembourg.

The Armenian delegation, headed by Republic of Armenia Foreign Minister
Edward Nalbandian, are in Luxembourg to take part in the session,
informs the Armenian Foreign Ministry press office.

The European delegation was lead by the Foreign Minister of EU chair
country Sweden, Carl Bildt.

Armenia-European Union cooperation, prospects for deepening this
cooperation, as well as regional issues were discussed during the
session presided over by the Armenian foreign minister.

Presenting the steps undertaken by Armenia and directed to the
implementation of European Neighbourhood Policy Action Plan, Nalbandian
said the effective implementation of the Action Plan is the priority
of Armenia-EU cooperation and Yerevan officially will continue to
undertake active steps aimed at strengthening the relations even more.

During the session, meeting participants thoroughly referred to the
process of implementing European Neighbourhood Policy Armenia-EU
Action Plan. Both sides expressed satisfaction with its effective
implementation. At the same time, it was mentioned that there exists
significant prospects in broadening the plan’s possibilities.

The sides also exchanged ideas on the Eastern Partnership Program,
placing importance on the full use of the plan’s potential: creating an
[EU] Asociation Agreement, sealing a deep and comprehensive agreement
on free trade, and simplifying the process of providing entrance visas.

The European side welcomed the brave steps directed to the
establishment of Armenian-Turkish relations, placing importance on
the quick ratification of the Protocols signed on October 10 and
their implementation without preconditions.

At the request of the European side, Minister Nalbandian presented
the latest developments in the Nagorno-Karabakh negotiation process.