Arriving in Strasbourg on May 15 Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian went to the headquarters of the Council of Europe where he met Thorbjørn Jagland, the CoE Secretary General.

Welcoming Minister Nalbandian the Secretary General of the CoE noted that Armenia’s presidency in the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe is well prepared, and important events related to the different directions of the organization’s activity are planned, in which he got assured during his visit to Yerevan in April.

Edward Nalbandian noted that after 12 years of becoming a member to the CoE, assuming the presidency of such a prestigious organization is a good opportunity, challenge but also a responsibility.

It is an opportunity because Armenia will be in leading positions, will lead the efforts of the member-states of the Council of Europe directed towards the development of democratic Europe. It is a challenge, because the European capital is facing many challenges today, which may complicate the strengthening of the general values and responsibility as the CoE success depends not only on the efforts of every member-state, but also the right leadership of those efforts.

“During the Presidency of Armenia we will fully support the process of reforms initiated in the Council of Europe. In the framework of the presidency a series of important events are planned at the level of Parliamentary Assembly, Parliaments of the member-states, Constitutional courts, Councils, Municipalities. Events are planned in such areas as intercultural, inter-religious dialogue, local democracy, education. Special attention will be paid to discrimination, intolerance, the fight against xenophobia” noted the Minister.

During the conversation the sides referred to many issues concerning the agenda of the CoE, as well as issues that will be discussed at the meeting of Foreign Ministers of the member-countries of EU Eastern Partnership and member-countries of the Visegrád Four, which will take place on May 17.

At the request of the Secretary General Edward Nalbandian presented the joint efforts made by Armenia and the international community towards the peaceful settlement of the Karabakh conflict.