Dear Colleagues, Ladies and Gentlemen,

In the framework of the 15th session of Armenia-EU Cooperation Council, together with our EU colleagues, we have had extensive discussions on the further development of Armenia – European Union relations, which included such issues as: Political dialogue, future legal basis of our relations, mobility, human rights, economic reforms, EU’s assistance to Armenia. We expressed our appreciation to the EU for its continued support and assistance provided to our country over the years which have been instrumental for the effective implementation and sustainability of the reform process and institutional capacity building in Armenia.

We have discussions on the scope of future legal basis of our relations. I reaffirmed that it is our strong will to deepen our comprehensive cooperation, building upon the achievements that we have reached during recent years, in all possible areas and directions, giving due consideration to our commitments in other international, integration formats.

The Armenia - EU cooperation in the area of mobility, migration and enhancing the people to people contacts has been among our highest priorities in our cooperation with the EU. In January 2014 the EU-Armenia Visa Facilitation and Readmission Agreements entered into force and we are looking forward to launching a next phase of Visa Dialogue, aimed at a visa-free travel for the citizens of Armenia.

In 2014 the Protocol to the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement came into force, which enabled Armenia to participate in a broad range of EU programs and to cooperate with the EU Agencies.

We also touched upon regional issues. I briefed the Council on latest developments related to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and the efforts we exercise together with the OSCE Minsk group co-chairs for the exclusively peaceful solution of the conflict.

Thank you.

Question (Radio Free Europe): Turkey recently invited Armenian officials to attend the 100th Anniversary of the battle of Gallipoli.The problem of this is that this day the Centennary is at the same time Armenia commemorates the Armenian Genocide 100th anniversary as well. Will you or any other high Armenian official go to Turkey for the commemoration of Gallipoli event?

Yesterday the 6-month old Armenian baby died as well after the attacks by Russian soldier who killed the whole family. I want in the light of this tragic event, will Armenia seek some sort of clarification from Russia and will you have to renegotiate the basis of Russia’s contract when it comes to having bases in Armenia?

Edward Nalbandian: You know that the Armenian President invited President Erdogan to participate to the commemoration of the 100th Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide in April 2015. I conveyed the written invitation to President Erdogan being in Ankara in August of the last year. Till now we didn’t receive any response. Concerning the Turkish President’s invitation, President Sargsyan, responded the day after it was received. The text was made available for the press. You have to read it to know all details concerning the possibility of participation or not participation.

I don’t think it is appropriate to organise such an event in Turkey on 24th of April and I couldn’t beleive that anybody perceive this as a proper step.

And on the tragedy that happened in Gyumri. We hope very much that all investigation procedures will be completed as soon as possible and those guilty will be punished in accordance to the law. Of course, this horrible crime created a lot of natural human anger and emotions in Armenia’s public opinion.

Concering the question on our relations with Russia: We have strong, allied, strategic relations with Russia and we will continue to strengthen and enhance them further with joint efforts.

Question (Latvian Television): I have a question for the Armenian Minister. Do you see Eastern Partnership program of the EU as competing with Russia as Johannes Hahn indicated desire to have closer relationship with Armenia?

Edward Nalbandian: Concerning the Eastern Partnership and, in general, our relations with the European Union, I said very clearly in my introductory message that we are going to develop and deepen our comprehensive cooperation and partnership with the European Union, taking into due consideration our commitments in other international, integration formats.