Nalbandian and Catherine Ashton discuss bilateral cooperation

YEREVAN, October 8. / ARKA /. Foreign minister Edward Nalbandian said Armenia wishes to advance cooperation with the European Union in all possible directions by relying on joint achievements and progress made in bilateral relations in recent years when meeting in Brussels with EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton, Armenia’s foreign ministry reported.

Nalbandian stressed that while building a relationship with the EU, including in the framework of the Eastern Partnership initiative, Armenia seeks closer, deeper and wider cooperation, taking into account also its national interests stemming from its engagement in other integration processes.

He said with the support of the EU Armenia has implemented very serious 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, 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, which will be consistent with Armenia’s decision to join the Customs Union.

Ashton and Nalbandian were said to have discussed also the preparatory work for the Eastern Partnership summit in Vilnius. -0-