During his visit to Belgium, RA President Serzh Sargsyan met European Commissioner for Trade Karel De Gucht. The sides discussed issues of signing a free trade agreement between Armenia and the EU, the RA presidential press service informed NEWS.am.

RA President stressed Armenia attaches great significance to such an agreement, as the EU is one of its major economic partners. The Armenian leader said Armenia has been a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO) since 2003, implemented fundamental reforms, and makes consistent steps to meet the standards set by the European Commission.

Thereafter, Sargsyan held a meeting with Chairman of Belgian Senate Armand De Decker. The sides discussed the development of Armenian-Belgian cooperation.

The RA President expressed his content with the bilateral relations, stressing high-level political dialogue, inter-parliamentary, trade and economic, scientific and cultural ties.

The Armenian leader expressed hope that Belgium’s chairmanship of the European Union in June 2010 will give new impetus to bilateral cooperation within the EU. The officials pointed out importance of strengthening inter-parliamentary contacts and arranged about mutual visits.

The sides also touched upon the international recognition of the Armenian Genocide, Armenia-Turkey reconciliation and Karabakh peace process.

L.A.