On December 9, in Vienna Foreign Minister of Armenia Edward Nalbandian held annual consultation of ambassadors and permanent representatives of Armenia accredited in European countries and international organizations in Europe.

At the meeting of ambassadors, the course of implementation of the instructions given by the President of the Republic of Armenia to the Central Apparatus of the Armenian Foreign Ministry and the heads of diplomatic missions of Armenia abroad was discussed.

The works accomplished throughout year in both bilateral and multilateral formats were reviewed.

At the meeting the participants touched upon the Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement signed between Armenia and the European Union and the follow up steps. They discussed the cooperation within the framework of other European structures.

A detailed discussion was held on the outcomes of the 24th session of the OSCE Ministerial Council. In this context, Edward Nalbandian briefed the Ambassadors on the meetings he had on December 6 with the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs and Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan, the efforts made by Armenia towards peaceful settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

At consultation of Ambassadors preparations for the Francophonie Summit to be held next year in Yerevan, as well as the steps expected in this regard from the diplomatic representations were touched upon.

In the context of the upcoming presidency of Armenia in the Black Sea Economic Cooperation Organization, a discussion was held on the agenda issues of the structure.

Special attention was paid to the process of international recognition and condemnation of the Armenian Genocide, as well as Armenia's initiatives aimed at prevention of crimes against humanity.

The sides exchanged views on issues related to Armenia's involvement in international organizations and touched upon the activities of the Parliamentary Assemblies.

A detailed discussion was held on steps towards developing relations with the European countries, expanding the legal framework, promoting inter-parliamentary contacts, widening the decentralized cooperation, and on cultural ties and scientific-educational exchanges.

At the consultation a special attention was paid to the steps that are being taken with the view to deepen trade and economic cooperation with host countries and encourage investments. In this respect, the coordination of the works with the relevant Ministries of Armenia was highlighted.

The work with the Diaspora structures was on the agenda of the meeting.

A number of urgent regional and international issues and Armenia's approaches to their resolution were touched upon.

The participants of the meeting discussed bringing the laws of the Republic of Armenia "On Diplomatic Service" and "On International Treaties" in conformity with the constitutional reforms in Armenia.

Summarizing the consultations, Minister Nalbandian gave relevant instructions on the steps to be taken in the course of the next year.