Armenian Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian received today High Representative of the ‪‎European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission Federica‪ Mogherini.

Minister Nalbandian said her first visit to Armenia would positively impact the development and deepening of Armenia-EU relations. Federica‪ Mogherini said, in turn, that the establishment of closer cooperation between Armenia and the European Union will benefit not only the two parties, but also the region, as a whole.

The parties discussed a wide range of issues related to the development of Armenia-EU cooperation, the negotiations on creating a new legal framework for bilateral relations.

Minister Nalbandian reiterated Armenia’s willingness to reinforce and expand the comprehensive cooperation in all fields of mutual interest. The parties referred to the joint steps needed for the further development of bilateral ties – political dialogue, mobility, human rights, economic reforms, Armenia’s participation in different EU programs.

The Armenian Foreign expressed gratitude to the EU for the long-term support and assistance, which has played a considerable role in the implementation of reforms and capacity development in Armenia.

The interlocutors exchanged views on the situation in the Middle East and stressed the importance of mobilizing the efforts of the international community to fight terrorism. Edward Nalbandian noted that Armenia has provided refuge to more than 20 thousand refugees, thus becoming the third country with the number of Syrian migrants per capita. The Minister said the Armenian side values the possible EU support.

The implementation of the agreement on Iran’s nuclear program was also on the agenda.

Edward Nalbandian briefed the EU High Representative on the negotiations on the settlement of the Karabakh conflict under way within the framework of the OSCE Minsk Group. Federica‪ Mogherini reiterated the EU support to the efforts of the OSCE Minsk Group towards the resolution of the conflict. The parties agreed that the non-constructive steps and belligerent rhetoric serve to drag out the status quo.

Minister Nalbandian assured of Armenia’s willingness to maintain the consistent efforts towards an exceptionally peaceful resolution of the Karabakh conflict.