The 7th plenary session of the EU-Armenia Cooperation Council was held in Brussels today. During the meeting the EU-Armenia Action Plan was adopted and came into effect, reports the Press Office of the Armenian MFA. The Armenian delegation during the session was led by Armenian FM Vartan Oskanian. Foreign Trade and Development Minister of Finland presiding the EU Paula Lehtomäki, German State Minister Gunter Gloser, EU Special Representative for the South Caucasus Peter Semneby and other officials represented the EU at the meeting. Paula Lehtomäki appreciated the Action Plan, jointly worked out by the EU and Armenia. Political matter, including internal reforms, human rights were also discussed. The Armenian party also presented measures to diversify energy sources, specifically the building of Iran-Armenia gas pipeline.

The ceremony of signing the EU-Armenia Action Plan took place after the session. The implementation of the Plan provides an opportunity for a better integration, including Armenia's participation in the EU internal market and policy. Intensive political, economic, cultural, security relations with the EU are expected to be established within the Plan. The adoption of the document provides an opportunity to implement a package of reforms with the assistance of the European party.

The Action Plan highlights EU-Armenia cooperation by additional financing from the EU, strengthening trade and economic relations, continued reduction of trade non-tariff obstacles. This will promote growth of investment, export and economy. The financing to be provided to Armenia by the EU will be reflected by means of the European Neighborhood and Partnership Instrument (ENPI), which will involve major financial assistance and will be used for border and international cooperation. Armenian and Azeri FMs V. Oskanian and E. Mammadyarov are scheduled to have a meeting with participation of co-chairs of the OSCE MG in the afternoon.