The Foreign Minister of the EU Eastern Partnership member-states held a meeting in Brussels on December 13. An Armenian delegation led by Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian participated in the meeting.

The press service of the RA Ministry of Foreign Affairs informed NEWS.am that EU High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton chaired the meeting. The Foreign Ministers of the EU member-states, six states participating in the Eastern Partnership Project, as well as European Commission, CE and European Parliament officials participated in the meeting.

Minister Edward Nalbandian made a speech at the meeting. He underlined the importance of successful negotiations for an association agreement. He pointed out that two rounds and seven video conferences have been held since this July. The third round of negotiations is to be held in Yerevan in two days.

Speaking of the visa requirements, Minister Nalbandian pointed out that Armenia intends to sign a framework agreement on simplification of visa requirements and repatriation and expects the documents to be signed as soon as possible.

Minister Nalbadian addressed conflict settlement. He mentioned a point incorporated in the declaration of the OSCE Summit in Astana – conflicts must be settled within the current formats and on the basis of international legal norms. Minister Nalbandian underlined the fact the international agencies authorized to deal with conflicts have the necessary experience and can act effectively.