YEREVAN, OCTOBER 9, ARMENPRESS. Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Armenia Edward Nalbandian met with France’s Secretary of State for European Affairs Harlem Désir on October 9. The latter arrived in Armenia to participate in the 31st ministerial conference of the member states of Francofonia international organization.  As ''Armenpress'' was informed from the Department of Press, Information and Public Relations of Republic of Armenia MFA, greeting the guest, Minister Nalbandian mentioned that his visit is a good opportunity to hold a bilateral meeting and to discuss a number of issues of Armenian-French privileged relations.

Expressing gratitude for the reception, Minister Désir assessed Armenian-French relations as exceptional and mentioned that it is a great honor for him to represent France in the Francofone key event in Yerevan.

Edward Nalbandian and Harlem Désir discussed issues of development of bilateral relations, highly appreciated the permanent mutual high level visits and the decentralized partnership.

The agenda of the meeting included Armenia-EU cooperation and the works of creating a new legal platform for it. In this regard, Minister Nalbandian hoped that the European Council will confirm the mandate of the EU negotiation team for starting negotiations.

The interlocutors also exchanged ideas over Nagorno Karabakh conflict settlement process. Minister Nalbandian introduced the consequences of the Azerbaijani-led provocative measures on Armenia-Azerbaijan border and on Karabakh-Azerbaijan contact line. Minister Désir strongly highlighted the importance of preserving the ceasefire regime, emphasizing that France will continue its active engagement within the format of Minsk Group Co-chairs.

After the meeting the Ministers delivered a briefing for the journalists.