On November 24, Foreign Minister of Armenia Edward Nalbandian as Foreign Minister of BSEC chairing country paid a one-day working visit to Istanbul.

Armenian Foreign Minister visited the BSEC Secretariat where he met with Leonidas Chrysanthopoulos, Secretary General of the Organization. During the meeting the two discussed issues on improvement of BSEC’s activity and promotion of economic cooperation among member-states.

Touching upon the priorities of Armenian Chairmanship-in-Office in the Organization Edward Nalbandian mentioned that approximately 60 events planned for the coming six months are aimed at increasing the authority of the Organization and deepening the partnership among the member-states in various areas.

Afterwards, the session of the representatives of BSEC International Secretariat, the representatives of BSEC member and observer states and affiliated bodies took place during which Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian delivered a speech on the Organization’s activity for the coming six months and priorities of Armenia’s Chairmanship.

Armenian Foreign Minister mentioned that Armenia assumed the BSEC Chairmanship during the period of global financial crisis and economic problems of different countries and member-states of the organization have to joint their efforts to overcome it.

Edward Nalbandian presented the priorities of Armenian Chairmanship-in-Office and emphasized the development of regional transport infrastructure as main goal. During Armenian Chairmanship BSEC's key objectives will include cooperation in the fields of energy, environment and agriculture and during next six months meetings between ministers of BSEC member-states will coordinate abovementioned areas.

Minister Nalbandian also underscored deepening of cooperation between BSEC-UN and BSEC-EU. Recently by co-authorship of Armenia UN General Assembly admitted resolution on UN-BSEC cooperation. During next months a number of joint events will be organized by BSEC and EU.

The session was followed by Edward Nalbandian’s press conference. Almost 100 representatives of Turkish and world leading media attended the conference. In response to the questions on normalization of Armenian-Turkish relations Minister Nalbandian mentioned that full normalization of relations stems from interests of two countries and nations and ongoing dialogue between Armenia and Turkey is directed towards that aim – establishing diplomatic relations and opening of the border. And that it must not be viewed as a gift to Armenia as Turkey is no less interested in it.

Afterwards Edward Nalbandian left for S. Asdvadzadzin Patriarchal church in Istanbul where he met with Mesrop Archbishop Mutafian, Armenian Patriarch of Turkey. Minister Nalbandian also met with the representatives of the Armenian community in Istanbul.

On the same day Foreign Minister of Armenia Edward Nalbandian met with his Turkish counterpart Ali Babacan. Then Ali Babacan hosted dinner in honour of Edward Nalbandian.

Discussions lasted for about 2.5 hours during which Ministers Nalbandian and Babacan touched upon issues concerning normalization of bilateral relations.

Ministers exchanged views on Caucasus Security and Cooperation platform initiative.

At the briefing that followed the meeting Edward Nalabandian and Ali Babacan assessed the meeting as effective and constructive.Ministers agreed to continue efforts directed towards normalization of bilateral relationship.

On the same day Edward Nalbandian concluded his visit and returned back Yerevan.

Audio version of the press conference: click here