On June 19, the working visit of Foreign Minister Zohrab Mnatsakanyan to Brussels started with a meeting with the EU Commissioner for Enlargement and Neighborhood Policy Johannes Hahn.
The Armenian Foreign Minister briefed Johannes Hahn on the latest developments in Armenia, which, according to Commissioner Hahn, can be viewed as a good example of democratic change. Minister Mnatsakanyan presented to Commissioner Hahn the programme and the foreign policy priorities of the Government, thanking the European Union for the constant support to the process of reforms in Armenia.
Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia presented the activities and programmes of the Government that are aimed at the consistent implementation of reforms, strengthening democratic institutions, the rule of law, fighting corruption, while highlighting the importance of cooperation with partners on the way to achieving these goals. The Armenian Foreign Minister stressed the importance of the Armenia-EU Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement as the framework for bilateral relations.
Minister Mnatsakanyan briefed on the steps taken on the basis of foreign policy priorities outlined in the Government’s programme, which are aimed at protecting the interests of Armenia.
During the meeting, the interlocutors discussed issues of cooperation within the European neighborhood policy, as well as exchanged views on the prospects of cooperation in the framework of Eastern Partnership. In this context, the agenda of the informal meeting of the Foreign Ministers of the Eastern Partnership countries, which will be held in Minsk on June 22, was discussed.
Minister Mnatsakanyan and Commissioner Hahn exchanged views on regional and international challenges and the approaches, assessments and positions in that regard.
Minister Mnatsakanyan touched in detail upon the approaches and priorities of the Armenian side with regards the peaceful settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, stressing that for the advancement of the process it is necessary to create an environment conducive to peace. The Minister of Foreign Affairs thanked the EU for the consistent support of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-chairmanship.