YEREVAN. – Armenian and Latvian Foreign Ministers are satisfied with the pace of cooperation development between the states, they said during a joint press conference in Yerevan.

As noted by Armenian FM Edward Nalbandian, the sides exchanged views on a number of bilateral issues in the context upcoming Latvia's presidency of the EU, meeting of Armenia-EU council in January and Eastern Partnership summit that will take place in Riga in May.

The parties referred to a number of international issues. Minister Nalbandian briefed his Latvian counterpart on the efforts of Armenia and the OSCE Minsk Group into the settlement of Nagorno- Karabakh conflict. An exchange of views about the Ukrainian crisis, the situation in Syria and Iraq was made. The parties noted with satisfaction the good momentum for development of relations and exchange of visits. In 2015, the Speaker of the Latvian Parliament is expected to visit Armenia.

For his part, Latvian FM Edgars Rinkēvičs said that Eastern Partnership will be one of the priorities during Latvia's president of the EU, and summit in Riga will be an important stage for the development of relations with the Union.

“We are interested in hearing Armenia's opinion on continuation of cooperation with EU,” the Minister said, adding that the point is taking into account country's interests in the context of joining Eurasian Union.

The matter is creation of a roadmap for the development of policies and steps with the aim of reaching new agreement.

“We expect that the dialogue will continue at the meeting of the Armenia-EU Council in Brussels in January,” he added.

Latvia shares concerns of the Armenian colleagues on situation in Iraq and Syria, the Minister said, adding that Latvia's priority is the fight against terrorism, especially taking into account that many EU citizens are fighting on the side of terrorists in Syria and Iraq.

“We appreciate expert knowledge of the Armenian partners, given the existence of the Armenian communities in Syria and Iraq. This is not just a discussion, but an exchange of expert opinions and information,” he resumed.

The discussions will continue during the working lunch.