YEREVAN. – Armenia’s Foreign Affairs Minister Edward Nalbandian on Tuesday received UK Foreign Office Minister of State David Lidington, who serves as Minister for Europe. 

“This year we mark the 20th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Armenia and the United Kingdom, and we can state that the cooperation is on a sustainable basis,” Nalbandian specifically noted, Armenian MFA press service informs.    

In his turn, Lidington stressed that the United Kingdom considers Armenia to be a long-term and a valuable partner and the objective of his visit is to give new impetus to cooperation with Armenia.  

Subsequently, the ministers discussed the ways for deepening collaboration. In this context, Nalbandian noted that Lidington’s delegation also comprises businessmen and this will enable to enhance economic cooperation.  

The interlocutors also underscored UK’s programs toward assisting in Armenia’s development, democratization, and economic reforms. 

Armenia-EU cooperation likewise was among the main topics of discussion.  

Ministers Nalbandian and Lidington also reflected on several regional and international issues.

Also, Armenia’s FM presented the current state of affairs in the Nagorno-Karabakh peace process.

In addition, they discussed the blow that was dealt to regional stability and security as a result of Ramil Safarov’s extradition and subsequent release. In this context, David Lidington noted that UK supports the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs’ efforts toward settling the Karabakh conflict. The UK Minister for Europe also noted that his country fully shares the provisions of the statements which the European Union, Council of Europe, and OSCE Minsk Group issued with regard to Safarov’s release.