YEREVAN. - Armenia’s FM Edward Nalbandian attended today the non-formal meeting of the FMs of the Eastern Partnership member-states in Minks.
In his speech during the meeting, Nalbandian said that Armenia is developing comprehensive cooperation with the EU, attaching importance to the enhancement of political dialogue and deepening of economic ties, Armenian MFA press service reports.
The minister said they continue the work on the enhancement of cooperation in a number of areas, such as education, research and stimulation of contacts between people. The Armenian side expects to sign agreements on participation in such EU initiatives as Horizon 2020 and COSME programme.
In the sphere of transportation, the government of Armenia has expressed readiness to sign with the EU an agreement on Common Aviation Area Programme, aimed at the liberalization of the aviation market.
Parallel with the institutional format, Armenia continues to take part in the work of over 10 working groups. According to him, the visa liberalization is a common objective, and the Armenian side hopes that the dialogue in that direction will start as soon as possible.
Referring to the possibility of integration processes, the minister said that since Armenia’s accession to the EEU, the republic has been applying pragmatic and rational work style, which allows using different integration formats, avoiding the creation of new separation lines.
“We wish to maximally take advantage of the EEU membership and at the same time have close ties with the EU,” the minister said. According to Nalbandian, Armenia highly appreciates the support of the EU. “We are taking consistent steps for the strengthening of democratization, fundamental freedoms and protection of human rights,” he said.
Touching on the demonstrations in Yerevan and the response to them, the Minister said he considers the comments of his colleagues as attempts to strengthen democracy. According to him, the competent authorities conduct investigation and corresponding measures have been taken to correct the flaws.
