Catherine Ashton, the High Representative of EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy welcomed decision by General Affairs Council on the adoption of the negotiating directives for future association agreements between the EU and Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia.

According to her, adoption of the directives is a clear sign of strong commitment to further deepen the relations between EU and South Caucasian states on the basis of shared values and principles, including democracy, the rule of law and respect for human rights.

“Successful implementation of the Eastern Partnership with the active engagement of the partner countries both in its multilateral and bilateral track will strengthen relations on the basis of shared values and will help advancing political and economic reforms, consolidate governance and foster regional stability, prosperity and confidence building,” reads the statement by Catherine Ashton.