The meeting between Foreign Ministers of Armenia and Spain takes place

On March 2, Foreign Minister of Armenia Edward Nalbandian had a meeting with the delegation of the European Union headed by Miguel Ángel Moratinos, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of the Kingdom of Spain, which is holding EU’s rotating presidency.

Welcoming the delegation, Edward Nalbandian congratulated Miguel Ángel Moratinos on assuming the EU Presidency, as well as on entering into force of Lisbon Treaty.  

Describing Armenia-EU partnership Minister Nalbandian mentioned. “At this moment Armenia-European Union relations are in a crucial stage. The European Union is a reliable political and economic partner for Armenia. The Eastern Partnership which launched last year gives wide opportunities for the expansion of cooperation in a number of areas”.

Speaking about Armenia’s priorities in relationship with the EU, Edward Nalbandian attached importance to the further deepening of political dialogue with the European Union, the signing of Free Trade Agreement, the facilitation of visa regime and the launch of negotiations on the signing of Association Agreement.
Minister Moratinos thanked for warm reception and said that he is pleased to visit Armenia for the second time. He also emphasizes that the regular visits of Foreign Ministers of the EU presiding countries to the Caucasus region are the evidence of the importance of the eastern part of Europe.  

Foreign Minister of Spain presented the processes in the EU after Lisbon Treaty came into force and the perspectives of integration processes.

The two discussed issues concerning Armenia-European Union relations – the ways of strengthening and enlarging cooperation and the steps to be undertaken in that direction. The parties stressed with satisfaction that effective cooperation between Armenia and European Union is being carried out within a number of formats.

Ministers Nalbandian and Moratinos also touched upon the issues concerning the expansion of partnership with Armenia and Spain. Armenian Foreign Minister informed that the decision has been taken to open an Armenian Embassy in Madrid during this year.
The agenda of the meeting also included regional issues. Within that context Minister Moratinos reiterated the entire support of the European Union to the steps undertaken in the direction of Armenian-Turkish reconciliation and expressed hope that the sides will ratify the signed Protocols without preconditions and within reasonable timeframe and move forward.

They also exchanged views on the negotiation process of Artsakh (Nagorno Karabakh) issue. Foreign Minister of Armenia informed about the recent developments in the settlement of the issue.

After the meeting, the joint press conference of Ministers Edward Nalbandian and Miguel Ángel Moratinos took place.