YEREVAN (A1plus.am), March 2–Armenian Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian met today with the European Union (EU) Delegation led by Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of the Kingdom of Spain, Miguel Angel Moratinos.

Welcoming the delegation, Edward Nalbandian congratulated Miguel Angel Moratinos on taking the EU presidency and the effect of the Lisbon Treaty.

Characterizing Armenia-EU relations, Minister Nalbandian said, “The relations between Armenia and the EU are currently in a turning stage. Armenia views the EU as a reliable political and economic partner. The Eastern Partnership program that launched last year opens wide opportunities for broadening the partnership in a number of spheres.”

Minister Nalbandian attached importance to further deepening of political dialogue, the signing of an agreement on free trade, the facilitation of the entrance visa regime and the launch of negotiations on the signing of a contract of association with respect to Armenia-EU relations.

The Spanish Foreign Minister presented the processes taking place in the EU after the Lisbon Treaty was put into effect and the perspectives for integration processes.

The interlocutors discussed issues relating to Armenia-EU relations, including directions for strengthening and broadening cooperation and the steps to be taken. The parties underscored that Armenia and the EU are working together in a number of formats.

Ministers Nalbandian and Moratinos also touched upon issues relating to broadening of relations between Armenia and Spain. The Armenian Foreign Minister informed that a decision had been taken to open the Armenian Embassy in Madrid.

Minister Moratinos reaffirmed the unreserved support of the EU in the Turkish-Armenian rapprochement steps and expressed hope that the sides would ratify the signed Protocols and move forward without preconditions in a reasonable time frame.

The ministers also exchanged views on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, and Minister Nalbandian discussed the latest developments.

After the meeting, Ministers Nalbandian and Moratinos held a joint press conference.