On July 30 the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Armenia Edward Nalbandian received Herbert Salber, the newly appointed EU Special Representative for the South Caucasus.

Welcoming the guest Minister Nalbandian congratulated him on his appointment as the EU Special Representative, and expressed hope that he would apply the experience received within the OSCE in implementing his mission.

During the meeting the latest developments in the process of the settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh issue were discussed. The continuous support of the EU to the efforts exerted by the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs towards the settlement of the conflict exclusively through peaceful means was highlighted.

Minister Nalbandian drew the attention of the EU Special Representative to the provocative actions periodically masterminded by the Azerbaijani side on the Line of Contact between Nagorno-Karabakh and Azerbaijan and the Armenian-Azerbaijani border. The Foreign Minister mentioned that Azerbaijan continuously rejects the proposals of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chair countries aimed at confidence-building measures – consolidation of ceasefire, withdrawal of snipers, creation of a mechanism on investigation of incidents, and through its destructive stance Azerbaijan hinders the progress in negotiations.

The sides touched upon Armenia–European Union relations. Minister Nalbandian stressed that the Joint Statement between Armenia and the EU issued at the Vilnius Summit of Eastern Partnership in November 2013 reassured the commitment of both sides to develop and strengthen comprehensive partnership in all possible areas of common interest.

Thoughts were exchanged on a number of regional and international issues.