At their meeting in Berlin June 22, RA President Serzh Sargsyan and German Chancellor Angela Merkel discussed the development of bilateral relations.

The Armenian leader said that bilateral top-level meetings enable the sides to expand their cooperation and political dialogue. Armenia-German relations are an important factor in Armenia’s integration into Europe, he said.

The sides also addressed the development of trade and economic relations. They pointed out that the activities of more than 80 German companies in Armenia serve as a good basis for expanding investment cooperation.

The sides also discussed the issue of German financial and technical assistance to Armenia. The Armenian leader pointed out that Germany is Armenia’s second largest partner under donor programs, playing an important role in reforms in Armenia’s life.

The Armenian and German leaders discussed regional problems. Speaking of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, President Sargsyan expressed concern over Azerbaijan’s regular statements on a military settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, which threatens not only the Armenian-Azerbaijani talks, but also regional stability.

As to Armenian-Turkish relations, the Armenian leader expressed regret that the efforts to get Europe’s last closed border opened by Armenia and the European community failed, as Turkey used the negotiations with different ends in view. The sides pointed out the importance of Armenian-Turkish reconciliation without any preconditions and of a peaceful settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict within the OSCE Minsk Group.

The Armenian President and the German Chancellor gave a press briefing after the meeting.