COOPERATION WITH EU ONE OF ARMENIA’S PRIORITIES

PanARMENIAN.Net –
April 6, 2010 – 12:55 AMT 07:55 GMT

Cooperation with the European Union is one of priorities on Armenia’s
foreign policy agenda, RA top diplomat said.

"The interest is mutual, what can be proved by frequent visit of EU
officials to Armenia," Edward Nalbandian said during a joint press
conference with Stefan Fule, the EU Commissioner for Enlargement and
the European Neighborhood Policy.

"Mr. Fule’s visit is a good opportunity to discuss Armenia-EU agenda
and ways to strengthen cooperation on the threshold of President
Sargsyan’s trip to Brussels," he said.

"The European Union is Armenia’s reliable political and economic
partner. Thereat, we attach special importance to signing of a
free trade agreement, relaxation of visa requirements and launch of
negotiations on association agreement," the Armenian Minister said.

He also voiced hope that Armenia-EU cooperation will develop within
the Eastern Partnership initiative.

For his part, Mr. Fule noted that the European Union wishes stability
and development for EU’s eastern neighbors. "We are glad that our
cooperation with Armenia is developing gradually and reaches a new
level. I hope that talks on association agreement will start in
near future and I hope that a part of this agreement will be the
so-called economic integration, that is deep and comprehensive free
trade agreement, a strong tool that the EU offers to Armenia to help
it integrate in European markets. We also touched upon the support
the EU renders to reform process in Armenia," he said.

As to the new visa code, Mr. Fule said it was made "to provide
EU partners with more transparency and predictability." "It’s an
important step to unifying with the European countries. I am hopeful
that the new visa code will be helpful for Armenian citizens," he said.