ARMENIA SEEKS TO CONSOLIDATE THE RELATIONS WITH EU MORE, EDWARD NALBANDYAN SAYS

ARMENPRESS
Dec 9, 2009

YEREVAN, DECEMBER 9, ARMENPRESS: The first meeting of the foreign
ministers of the EU Eastern Partnership took place December 8 in
Brussels with the participation of the Armenian delegation headed by
the Armenian Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandyan.

Foreign Ministry’s Press and Information Department told Armenpress
that foreign ministers of the Eastern Partnership countries, EU member
states, representatives of the Council of Europe, European Parliament
participated in the session chaired by the Foreign Minister of Sweden,
Chairman of the EU Ministerial Council Karl Bildt.

The foreign ministers assessed the works carried out within the
framework of the new format of cooperation and outlined the steps
that must be implemented, exchanged thoughts over the more effective
usage of the Partnership’s potential.

Armenian foreign minister delivered speech at the event, noting that
Armenia seeks to more consolidate the relations with EU.

According to Nalbandyan, the Partnership initiative creates additional
opportunities for cooperation in political, economic and humanitarian
platforms.

Pointing out that all the initiatives suggested by the partnership
program are important for Armenia and other partners, Nalbandyan
drew special attention on the issue of facilitation of the process
of granting entrance visas as it will essentially promote contacts
between the societies and peoples.

Minister Nalbandyan underscored the regional cooperation within the
framework of Eastern Partnership, pointing out that Azerbaijan’s
refusal of partnership intended by the program may threaten the
success of the partnership.

The foreign ministers of EU countries in their speeches highlighted
the cooperation among the member states of Partnership and undertaking
of concrete steps.

At the meeting a decision was adopted to conduct the next Ministerial
session in the second half of 2010 and in 2011 the summit of Eastern
Partnership will be held.

The session was followed by a joint press conference.