YEREVAN. – Armenian Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian met with Canada’s Minister of International Development and La Francophonie Christian Paradis.

Minister Nalbandian noted that despite the geographical distance, Armenia and Canada are actively working in bilateral and multilateral formats, and active contacts create a good basis for the development of relations.

In turn, Minister Paradis thanked for organizing the forum in Yerevan at a high level.

The sides discussed the problems faced by the member countries of La Francophonie organizations. The interlocutors discussed issues related to intensification of political dialogue, visa liberalization and expansion of trade and economic cooperation.

The role of the Armenian community of Canada's socio-political life of the country was noted. The officials also exchanged views on international and regional issues.

In this context, Minister Nalbandian informed that Armenia hosted about 17,000 refugees from Syria. The Minister also presented the efforts of Armenia and the OSCE Minsk Group towards a peaceful settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.