EU to cooperate with Armenia by respecting its other commitments, EU Commissioner says
18.03.2015,
18:21
The EU will continue to cooperate with Armenia by respecting its other commitments, EU Commissioner for European Neighborhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations Johannes Hahn said today in Yerevan at a joint news conference with Armenian Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian.
YEREVAN, March 18. / ARKA /. The EU will continue to cooperate with Armenia by respecting its other commitments, EU Commissioner for European Neighborhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations Johannes Hahn said today in Yerevan at a joint news conference with Armenian Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian.
He said both sides have outlined ways of possible cooperation in the future, which may serve as a basis for starting negotiations on a new agreement between the EU and Armenia 'after we get the corresponding mandate from the members of the European Union."
Hahn stressed that the EU aims for the future being determined to shape a positive agenda of cooperation with Armenia that will be compatible with its other commitments.
He said both sides have pledged to deepen cooperation in all possible areas and in creation of a strong legal framework for future relations. According to him, the parties should understand clearly when deciding the directions of their future relations what stems from the interests of Armenia and what from the interests of the EU.
On his turn, Nalbandian said the talks in Yerevan were a good opportunity to continue the discussions that took place in January this year.
"Consultations on shaping the basis of our future cooperation were important; there are prerequisites for the start of negotiations on this issue. I think we will develop the legal instrument that will form the basis for this cooperation," said Nalbandian,
According to the minister, the parties have made progress in recent years, as evidenced, in particular, by visa facilitation and readmission agreements, which entered into force in January 2014.
"There is also a protocol that allows Armenia to participate in various European programs. We hope that in the near future we will begin the second stage of negotiations on visa facilitation," said Nalbandian. -0-
