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We had an efficient discussion and covered the Riga Summit results, Armenian FM Edward Nalbandian stated at a press conference, recapping the 8th Eastern Partnership informal Ministerial meeting held in Yerevan on Thursday.

In the minister’s words, Armenian participated in number of programs over the past year, including “COSME” small and middle sized enterprises development program, the EU “Horizon” framework program for research and innovation as well as initiated the process of joining the “Creative Europe” initiative aimed at  expanding cultural exchanges.

“We aslo expect to launch negotiations in the coming future over joining the agreement of the Common Aviation Area,” added the minister, at the same time expressing hope to launch a dialogue on visa liberalization.

Asked, when the new EU-Armenia framework agreement is set to be signed, Minister Nalbandian informed that 6 phase of negotiations had been completed since the launch of the discussion in December 2016 that had recorded progress thus far. The upcoming meeting is slated for December 2016.

FM Nalbandian next said that Armenia will be ready to sign the agreement once the negotiations are over, at the same time expressing hope for the quick EU internal procedures required for the completion of the process.

“The most important aspect is that both Armenia and the EU wish the new agreement to reflect the whole essence and the deepness of our relations. I think the European Union and Armenia alike want to include the maximum of possible arrangements in the new document,” noted Nalbandian.

The minister recalled his discussions with then EU’s then foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton, suggesting that Armenia  and the EU remain committed to deepening relations in all areas and expand the scope of bilateral cooperation that are compatible with Armenia’s commitments to other integration processes.

Johannes Hahn, Commissioner for the European Neighborhood Policy & Enlargement Negotiations on his part expressed hope the negotiations will complete in the next year.