Armenian president to visit Strasbourg during Armenia’s presidency of CE

“We have discussed a wide range of issues. The importance of the Lithuanian president’s visit to Armenia two years ago was stressed. We have agreed to continue the policy of deepening bilateral ties,” Armenian Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian stated today at a joint press conference with Lithuanian Foreign Minister Linas Antanas Linkevicius.

Nalbandian said an agreement was reached to develop cultural ties with Lithuania and conduct a policy of encouraging trade and economic links.

“I spoke about the current stage of the peace talks on the Karabakh conflict settlement. We also discussed other important regional issues,” E. Nalbandian said.

The Armenian foreign minister touched upon Armenia’s upcoming presidency of the Council of Europe, noting that they will meet with CE Secretary General T. Jagland to discuss the priorities during the presidency of Armenia. In his words, a number of cultural events will be held in Strasbourg during this period. Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan will pay a visit to Strasbourg.

For his part, Linas Antanas Linkevicius said Lithuania cooperates with Armenia in military and cultural spheres and his current visit aims to promote Armenia’s relations with Europe. He stressed that Lithuania attaches great importance to the signing of a deep and comprehensive free trade agreement between Armenia and the European Union.

He spoke about cooperation with Armenia within the framework of the Eastern Partnership Program, saying they consider it important that Armenia sign an Association Agreement with the EU and further deepen the relations.