Cooperation with the European Union is one of priorities on Armenia’s foreign policy agenda, RA top diplomat said.

“The interest is mutual, what can be proved by frequent visit of EU officials to Armenia,” Edward Nalbandian said during a joint press conference with Stefan Fule, the EU Commissioner for Enlargement and the European Neighborhood Policy.

“Mr. Fule’s visit is a good opportunity to discuss Armenia-EU agenda and ways to strengthen cooperation on the threshold of President Sargsyan’s trip to Brussels,” he said.

“The European Union is Armenia’s reliable political and economic partner. Thereat, we attach special importance to signing of a free trade agreement, relaxation of visa requirements and launch of negotiations on association agreement,” the Armenian Minister said.

He also voiced hope that Armenia-EU cooperation will develop within the Eastern Partnership initiative.

For his part, Mr. Fule noted that the European Union wishes stability and development for EU’s eastern neighbors. “We are glad that our cooperation with Armenia is developing gradually and reaches a new level. I hope that talks on association agreement will start in near future and I hope that a part of this agreement will be the so-called economic integration, that is deep and comprehensive free trade agreement, a strong tool that the EU offers to Armenia to help it integrate in European markets. We also touched upon the support the EU renders to reform process in Armenia,” he said.

As to the new visa code, Mr. Fule said it was made “to provide EU partners with more transparency and predictability.” “It’s an important step to unifying with the European countries. I am hopeful that the new visa code will be helpful for Armenian citizens,” he said.