The political ties between Armenia and the UK remain tight, UK Ambassador to Armenia Thorda Abbott-Watt stated in her interview with IA Regnum. "We welcomed Armenia's joining the EU Neighborhood Policy last summer and we hope to witness progress this year", she noted. In her words, the UK will continue supporting the activities of the OSCE Minsk Group for the Nagorno Karabakh conflict settlement. The Ambassador expressed hope that UK's Special Representative for South Caucasus Sir Bryan Fall will arrive in Yerevan in spring to discuss the development of the negotiation process with the Armenian leadership. "We will also carry on programs for regional development, in part in the Tavush and Gegharqunik marzes (regions) of Armenia. Formally the start of these programs will be announced by Armenian Minister of Territorial Development and Coordination of Infrastructures Hovik Abrahamyan on February 21.