Yerevan /Mediamax/. On December 7 Armenian FM Edward Nalbandian and High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini announced the launch of negotiations on a new Armenia-European Union framework agreement.

“The Armenian side has long expressed its readiness to start negotiations with the EU on a framework agreement that would adequately reflect the depth and essence of our partnership.

We are happy that the negotiations decision around our relations’ legal basis enables us to move forward in this way. Armenia enjoys close links with the European Union and is determined to further develop and strengthen comprehensive cooperation in all areas of mutual interest, taking into account our commitments within other integration formats” , Edward Nalbandian said.

In his statement Armenian FM noted, that it is almost two years now that the EU-Armenia Visa Facilitation and Readmission agreements are being implemented.

“We do believe that it is high time to move further and launch a dialogue on visa liberalization”, he said.

Federica Mogherini said in her turn, “EU and Armenia shared common values and strong commitment to democracy, human rights, and rule of law will be at the basis of the new agreement. These will create favorable conditions for stronger cooperation in sectors such as energy, transport, and environment; for new opportunities for both sides' trade and investment; and also for increased mobility to the benefit of our citizens”.