On May 7 Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian met Igor Lukšić, the Deputy Prime-Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration of Montenegro, who was in Yerevan on an official visit.

Welcoming the guest Minister Nalbandian noted that since the establishment of bilateral relations Igor Lukšić is the first high-level official who is visiting Armenia and this visit can be a good start and basis for the development of our cooperation in different areas.

Minister Nalbandian emphasized that the peoples of Armenia and Montenegro have much common in history, which can serve as a good basis for the development of inter-state relations.

"There is a lot to do in terms of the development of bilateral relations, the creation of legal framework, the activation of trade and economic relations, and promotion of cultural exchanges and so on.

In this regard, your visit is a good opportunity to establish the agenda of Armenia-Montenegro relations, to outline the main areas of cooperation, to exchange views on regional and international issues."

Expressing his gratitude for the warm reception and visit to Yerevan Igor Lukšić noted that Armenia attaches importance to the development of cooperation with Armenia and the main purpose of his visit is to reach agreements aimed at developing bilateral relations.

During the talks, the Ministers agreed to take steps towards establishing a legal framework, foreign media and regular political consultations, the closer cooperation within the framework of international organizations, boosting trade and economic relations, the promotion of cultural exchanges.

In the framework of Armenia’s presidency in the Council of Europe some issues were discussed related to the agenda of CoE.

The sides touched upon the negotiations concerning the membership of Montenegro to the EU, as well as negotiations concerning the Armenia- EU Eastern Partnership.

Ministers Nalbandian and Lukšić referred to many regional and international security issues. Foreign Minister of Armenia presented to his counterpart the efforts made by Armenia and the international community towards the peaceful settlement of Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

Minister Lukšić presented the developments in the Balkans.

After the meeting the Ministers made announcements for the press.