RA Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian met with Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Lawrence Cannon. The officials discussed bilateral relations started during the OIF (International Organization of the Francophonie) summit, as well as the dialogue on regional and international issues. Canadian and Armenian FMs have held five meetings over the last year.

Nalbandian pointed out that more than two dozens of Canadian companies operate in Armenia and their number may increase due to joint efforts, the RA Foreign Office Press service informed NEWS.am. The diplomats also discussed Armenia’s efforts to normalize its relations with Turkey and recent developments in the process. Minister Nalbandian stressed the process will advance when the Turkish side is ready to respect the agreements, namely, to ratify the Protocols without preconditions and implement them.

Minister Lawrence Cannon pointed out that Canada welcomes all the efforts that will lead to normal relations between Armenia and Turkey and reopening of the common border.

Minister Nalbandian also held a meeting with Speaker of the Canadian House of Commons Peter Milliken. The sides discussed the present state of Armenian-Canadian relations and the possibilities of expanding them. Minister Nalbandian expressed gratitude to the Canadian Parliament for recognizing the Armenian Genocide. The side also exchange views on Armenian-Turkish relations.

At the Canadian Parliament, Minister Nalbandian held a meeting with the Armenia-Canada parliamentary friendship group.

The RA Foreign Minister also held a meeting with Canadian Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Jason Kenney, who said that he is a friend of Armenia and of the Armenian community in Canada. The sides touched on the problems of the South Caucasus.