On September 7 Edward Nalbandian, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia, received Philippe Lefort, the European Union Special Representative (EUSR) for the South Caucasus and the crisis in Georgia.

Congratulating Mr. Philippe Lefort on the occasion of his appointment as an EU Special Representative, Edward Nalbandian expressed confidence that he would contribute to the further strengthening of the relations between Armenia and the European Union.

The Armenian Minister of Foreign Affairs also mentioned that the relations between Armenia and the European Union have always been one of the priority directions and a special attention has been paid to all areas included in the interaction between Armenia and the EU. As a result of that, the sides record more achievements on an annual basis, bringing a new quality to the relations.

On his part, Mr. Philippe Lefort also expressed satisfaction with the opening of new perspectives of the cooperation in the dynamically developing relations between Armenia and the EU.

The interlocutors touched upon the negotiations being conducted in the frames of the European Neighborhood Policy and Eastern Partnership, mentioning that recently significant progress has been achieved. Mr. Edward Nalbandian and Mr.

Philippe Lefort also touched upon the negotiations being conducted over the Association Agreement and discussed the preparatory works for the launching of the negotiations over visa facilitation regime and the creation of the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement.

The sides stressed the importance of the organization of the Eastern Partnership Summit to be held in Warsaw at the end of September, 2011 and touched upon its preparation.

The interlocutors discussed the recent developments in the settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh issue. In this context, Mr. Philippe Lefort, on behalf of the EU, expressed support to the efforts directed at the peaceful settlement of the issue under the Chairmanship of the OSCE Minsk Group.

After the meeting between Mr. Edward Nalbandian and Mr. Philippe Lefort, a joint briefing with the journalists was held.