YEREVAN. – Armenia and the European Union hope for the speediest completion of talks on a new framework agreement, Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian said.

“Six phases of negotiations on Armenia-EU new framework agreement have been completed, we have joined COSME and Horizon 2020 programs,” the Minister said during a press conference summing up the 8th Eastern Partnership Informal Ministerial Dialogue.

EU Commissioner for Neighborhood Policy and Enlargement Johannes Hahn said he hopes that talks will be over next year.

Asked about the possible impact of Brexit on the Eastern Partnership, the Commissioner said he did not see any connection.

“There is general strategic understanding – the neighbors are important,” he explained.

The Armenian FM labeled talks as quite successful, adding that the next stage is expected in December.

“I think 2-3, no more step and we will complete negotiations. When it is over, Armenia is ready to sign. Of course, we understand that the EU also needs an internal agreement. We hope this will happen quickly, and the EU will be ready and will sign a framework agreement. Both sides want it to reflect the quality, depth and scope of relations. We are working on it,” he assured.

The Minister also noted that the framework agreement is intended to cover the maximum at the same time taking into account obligations to other integration structures.