Armenia, European Commission sign joint declaration
Serzh Sargsyan received today the EU Commissioner for Enlargements and Neighbourhood Policy, Štefan Füle to discuss issues related to Armenia-EU cooperation.
The interlocutors discussed a broad framework of issues concerning Armenia-EU relations. Serzh Sargsyan noted that the top level meetings and discussions held in 2010, as well as plans to sign a joint declaration between the Armenian Government and the European Commission, testify to dynamically developing processes.
The EU official said that the year 2011 can mark a new period in bilatareal relations.
Speaking of the joint declaration, the EU commissioner said it is aimed at bringing Armenia closer to the EU. Serzh Sargsyan noted, in turn, that by signing the document Armenia will reiterate its commitment to continue the current reforms, while the European Commission will express willingness to assist in the process.
After the meeting, Armenian Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian and EU Commissioner for Enlargement and Neighborhood Policy Štefan Füle signed a joint declaration between the Government of the Republic of Armenia and the European Commission.
Under the document, the parties hail the progress reached in the negotiations over the Armenia-EU Associate Agreement and stress the importance of Armenia's further steps towards launching new talks over creating a comprehensive trade zone in the frameworks of a new agreement.
The parties also express commitment to pursue the political orientations of the European Neighborhood Policy through a reinvigorated engagement, to be set forth in a partnership for reform which will be developed jointly by the Government of Armenia and the European Commission. This will identify areas of cooperation that could be the focus of our relations, with support of the EU tools and instruments.
They reassert the strong commitment of the Republic of Armenia to continue with the reform process and underline the readiness of the European Commission to provide increased support for their implementation, including through budget support, and the Comprehensive Institution Building (CIB) Programme which has been agreed between the Government of the Republic of Armenia and the European Commission, RA President's press service reports.
