On May 29, Foreign Minister Zohrab Mnatsakanyan received Toivo Klaar, the EU Special Representative for the South Caucasus and the crisis in Georgia.
Welcoming the guest Minister Mnatsakanyan noted that Armenia attaches importance to further strengthening of relations with the EU, highly appreciating the effective cooperation established within the mandate of the EU Special Representative.
Expressing gratitude for the reception, Toivo Klaar congratulated Zohrab Mnatsakanyan on his assuming the post of Foreign Minister, reaffirming the readiness of the European Union, through joint steps, to further strengthen ties with Armenia.
At the meeting the interlocutors touched upon the agenda issues of the Armenia-EU relations, the perspectives of Armenia-EU cooperation within the Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement, noting that the agreement is based on common values and serves as a good basis for a further deepening of bilateral cooperation.
The issues related to visa liberalization with the EU and the launch of the action plan were on the agenda of the meeting.
The interlocutors discussed a number of urgent regional and international issues, exchanged views on recent developments around Iran’s nuclear programme.
Speaking about the settlement of the Nagorno Karabakh issue, Foreign Minister noted that ensuring the status and security of Artsakh are the first priorities of Armenia in the negotiation process.
Touching upon the statements on NK resolution heard on recent days from Baku, Minister Mnatsakanyan stressed that Armenia is committed to the continuation of Nagorno Karabakh conflict settlement exclusively in a peaceful and negotiated manner and in the framework of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairmanship. He emphasised the necessity of creation of an environment conducive to peace and noted that Baku’s rhetoric is doing completely the opposite, has a negative impact and therefore should be prevented.