BRUSELLS (Arka)—Armenian Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian, meeting in Brussels with EU High Representative of Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton, said Armenia wishes to advance cooperation with the European Union in all possible directions, Armenia’s foreign ministry reported.
Nalbandian stressed that while building a relationship with the European Union, including through the Eastern Partnership initiative, Armenia seeks closer, deeper and wider cooperation, taking also into account its national interests stemming from its engagement in other integration processes.
He said that with the support of the European Union, Armenia has implemented very substantial reforms.
“We are determined to continue the process of reforms aimed at strengthening democracy, human rights and the rule of law, good governance, improvement of the judicial system, and the fight against corruption. In the process, we expect continued assistance from the EU,” he said.
In turn, Ashton said the meeting was a good opportunity to exchange views on further joint steps in the development of relations between Armenia and the EU. According to her, the European Union wants to continue the development of comprehensive cooperation with Armenia in all directions, while staying consistent with Armenia’s decision to join the Customs Union.
Ashton and Nalbandian are reported to have also discussed preparatory work for the upcoming Eastern Partnership summit in Vilnius.
