YEREVAN. – Armenian FM Edward Nalbandian, who was in Berlin on a working visit, on Friday met with Germany’s FM, Guido Westerwelle.

Westerwelle congratulated Nalbandian, in connection with 20th anniversary of Armenia’s independence, noting that Armenian-German relations developed well during those years, MFA Press Service informed Armenian News-NEWS.am.   

Thanking for the invitation to Berlin and the warm reception, Edward Nalbandian, in his turn said: “Armenia gives great importance to further deepening and strengthening cooperation with Germany, and the evidence of this are the numerous joint projects and the bilateral cooperation.”   

The two FMs also reflected on the implementation of arrangements that were reached between Armenia’s President and Germany’s Chancellor. 

Edward Nalbandian and Guido Westerwelle also discussed matters that are on the bilateral agenda.

They reflected on EU’s efforts to withstand the financial crisis and the developments in the Middle East, and exchanged views on strengthening security and stability in our region.    

The ministers also examined Armenia-EU relations, the Association Agreement talks, facilitation of visa requirements, and creation of a free and comprehensive trade zone.  

Speaking about Armenia’s democratic reforms, German FM noted that the progress in this area is visible.

Nalbandian said around eighty companies currently operate in Armenia with German capital, and expressed a hope that, with joint efforts, their number could double in the coming years.   

Armenia’s FM also gave his German colleague details on the recent developments concerning the Karabakh peace talks. In his turn, Guido Westerwelle expressed Germany’s support of the negotiation process being carried out under Co-Chairmanship of the OSCE (Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe) Minsk Group. 

Edward Nalbandian also underscored Armenia’s hope that talks would yield results and agreements with respect to Iran’s nuclear plan.

Westerwelle noted that Germany supports the efforts toward establishing normal relations between Armenia and Turkey.  

Guido Westerwelle also accepted Edward Nalbandian’s invitation to Armenian capital Yerevan.

While in Berlin, Armenia’s FM also met with Christoph Heusgen, Senior Adviser on Foreign Policy and Security Issues to German Chancellor, Angela Merkel. The interlocutors discussed avenues toward further consolidating friendly Armenian-German relations, as well as international and regional matters.

On the same day, Armenia’s FM headed to Paris, where on Saturday he is scheduled to address session of UNESCO General Conference.