On September 22, Armenian Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian received the delegation of the European Commission headed by Gunnar Wiegand, Director for Eastern Europe, Southern Caucuses, Central Asia, DG External Relations.

Welcoming the guest, Minister Nalbandian stressed that the relations with the European Union are among the priorities of Armenian foreign policy and mentioned that Armenia is interested in deepening of mutually beneficial cooperation with the European Union.

In the course of the meeting the sides had a comprehensive discussion on Armenia-EU cooperation as well as discussed issues related to the implementaton of the EU " Eastern Partnership" program. Within this context, Armenian Foreign Minister noted that the new format of cooperation has great potential and Armenia intends to actively participate in the program.

Gunnar Wiegand presented to Edward Nalbandian the results of the 10th session of Armenia-EU cooperation committee held in Yerevan.

The two discussed activities for the visa facilitation and the signing of Free Trade agreement. Gunar Vigand informed that it was decided to present the program on signing an association agreement with Armenia and other countries of the South Caucasus in November 2009.

Edward Nalbandian highly appreciated activities implemented in Armenia by the EU Advisory Group and exprssed hope that this project will promote the implementation of reforms in legislative, executive and judicial branches of power.

On the guests’ request Minister Nalbandian represented the process of Armenian-Turkish normalization as well as the recent developments in the negotiations on Artsakh issue.