Armenia and the EU are determined to continue the overall cooperation in all the possible areas and directions with consideration for Armenia's commitments within the framework of other integration processes, Edward Nalbandian, the minister of Foreign Affairs RA, told "Azatutyun" radio station when commenting on the results of the "Eastern Partnership" Summit in Riga.
"According to the agreements reached, Council of Europe will soon confirm or approve the credentials for the group of negotiators. After this we will open negotiations on elaborating new legal proceedings on the further extension, deepening and development of our relations", said Nalbandian. He also touched upon the point on mobility of citizens mentioned in the document - this means that a dialogue regarding visa regime will be under way.
According to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Readmission Agreements and Visa Facilitation, signed with the EU and gone into operation since Jan 2014, will open the door to a new process that will result in visa liberalization. Thus, Armenian citizens will be relased from EU visa obligations.
"We continued the negotiations toward cooperation in separate spheres - strengthening of comprehensive cooperation in all areas of mutual interest has also been mentioned in the declaration. As for Armenia, this is related to the Horizon 2020 project in respect of scientific studies, as well as support to business and enterprise - particularly the development of small and medium-sized enterprises, as well as cooperation in the area of aviation and so on. Therefore, our expectations have been delivered", said Nalbandian.
He has also added that Armenia was not expecting any document to be signed in Riga. Nalbandian emphasized that the commission submitted an affirmative report to Council of Europe and the Council would approve the mandate. "I believe this mandate will be soon approved and negotiations will be started", summed up the minister.
митрием Рогозиным.