YEREVAN, JANUARY 20, ARMENPRESS.  Foreign Minister of the Republic of Armenia Edward Nalbandian, who paid an official visit to Podgorica on January 20, met with the President of Montenegro Filip Vujanović.

Greeting the Armenian Foreign Minister, the President of Montenegro highlighted the first high-level visit from Armenia to Podgorica, expressing conviction that the agreements reached in the scope of the visit will foster bilateral partnership in various spheres. “I have had several meetings with the President of friendly Armenia, Serzh Sargsyan within the framework of international conferences and I hope that this visit will further activate bilateral visits and cooperation”, he mentioned.

As “Armenpress” was informed from the Department of Press, Information and Public Relations of MFA Armenia, thanking for the reception, Edward Nalbandian conveyed best wishes of the President of the Republic of Armenia and invitation to visit Yerevan to the President of Montenegro.

During the meeting the sides stated that the traditional friendly relations between the peoples of Armenia and Montenegro serve as firm basis for the development of relations and for full utilization of existing potentials.

Ways to organize high level visits, activate trade and economic relations, hold business forums, and boost decentralized cooperation were discussed. In this context, the interlocutors highlighted revising the cooperation agreement signed between Yerevan and Podgorica back in 1978 and establishment of communication between the administrative units of the two countries.

Edward Nalbandian and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration of Montenegro, Igor Lukšić held negotiations in Podgorica.

The meeting in tête-à-tête format was followed by talks with the participation of the delegations.

Greeting the Armenian Foreign Minister, the Foreign Minister of Montenegro found it symbolic that the Foreign Minister of friendly Armenia is the first Armenian Foreign minister to visit Podgorica, and expressed conviction that the visit will give a new impetus to bilateral relations.

Expressing gratitude to Igor Lukšić for the invitation and hospitality, Minister Nalbandian said, “Your visit to Armenia in 2013 set grounds for establishing continuous political dialogue between our states. Now I am glad to be in Podgorica: first official visit from Armenia to Montenegro.

During the negotiations the sides discussed issues of bilateral interest, highlighted the organization of high level visits, expansion of legal framework, promotion of trade and economic relations, easing entry visa regime, activation of interaction between people, development of cooperation in the spheres of education, science, culture, tourism and high-tech.

Deputy Prime Minister of Montenegro introduced the foreign priorities of his country, developments on the Balkan Peninsula, and the position of his country on them.

Foreign Ministers of Armenia and Montenegro exchanged ideas over regional and international urgent issues, particularly the implementation of agreements over Iran’s nuclear program, developments in the Middle East and fight against terrorism.

Armenian Foreign minister introduced the efforts of Armenia and OSCE Minsk Group Co-chairs made for the peaceful settlement of Nagorno Karabakh conflict.

Joint press conference was followed by the meeting of the Ministers.

On the same day Edward Nalbandian held a meeting with the President of the Parliament of Montenegro, Ranko Krivokapić.

Foreign Minister of Armenia introduced the events organized throughout the world dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide and their significance to the head of the Parliament of Montenegro.