YEREVAN. – Armenian Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian paid a visit to Riga at the invitation of his Latvian counterpart Edgaras Rinkevics.

On Thursday Minister Nalbandian met with speaker of Latvian parliament Solvita Aboltina.

Armenia is Latvia's important partner in the South Caucasus, relations between the states are marked by an open and constructive dialogue, the Latvian official said.

Minister Nalbandian, for his part, said Armenia attaches importance to parliamentary diplomacy as an important format of cooperation between the states and nations.

The sides discussed moves aimed at development of relations, in particular the ways to develop economic and trade ties.

They also touched upon Armenia-EU relations, Latvia's priorities during the upcoming presidency of EU.

Minister Nalbandian met with the members of Latvia-Armenia parliamentary friendship group to discuss Armenia's foreign policy issues,  Armenia-Latvia relations and cooperation in different areas.

On Friday Edward Nalbandian met with his Latvian counterpart Edgaras Rinkevics.

The Minister noted that relations between Armenia and Latvia are developing dynamically. During the past years, there have been visits by the presidents and foreign ministers as well as series of meetings within international forums.

Edward Nalbandian and  Edgaras Rinkevics discussed the issues related to development of relations in political, economic, cultural and educational areas. The Ministers emphasized that regular consultations between the foreign ministries is good basis for development of cooperation.

The sides touched upon Armenia-Latvia cooperation in the context of upcoming Latvia's European Union presidency.

Edward Nalbandian briefed the Latvian counterpart on the efforts of Armenia and OSCE Minsk Group into finding  peaceful settlement of Karabakh conflic.

The  sides also exchanged views on current regional issues, Ukrainian crisis, situation in Syria, Iraq, negotiations on Iran's nuclear program.

Edward Nalbandian invited his Latvian counterpart to visit Armenia.

In Riga, Minister Nalbandian visited St. Gregory the Illuminator Church, where he met with representatives of the Armenian community in Latvia.