YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 15, ARMENPRESS. Foreign Minister of Armenia Edward Nalbandian on November 15 held a meeting with Deputy Director General of the International Centre for Migration Policy Development Gabriela Abado, press service of the MFA told “Armenpress”.

Welcoming the guest in Yerevan, FM Nalbandian expressed satisfaction over the opening of the ICMPD representation in Armenia. The Minister said for years the organization has carried out a number of migration-related projects and contributed to increasing the efficiency of border management.

Gabriela Abado expressed gratitude for the reception and said the ICMPD is interested in intensifying relations with Armenia, and the establishment of the ICMPD Yerevan Office is the evidence of it.

The sides exchanged views on the field of mobility, the process of visa regime facilitation and implementation of readmission agreement, as well as the possibility of visa regime liberalization in the future between Armenia and the European Union.

Speaking about the mutual cooperation established with Armenia, the ICMPD Deputy Director Gerenal appreciated the productive cooperation with the Armenian interested structures. She stated that the Armenian experience on admitting and integrating refugees can serve as an example for other countries.

At the end of the meeting Edward Nalbandian and Gabriela Abado signed the agreement on the establishment of the ICMPD Yerevan Office.

The International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD) was founded in 1993, upon the initiative of Austria and Switzerland.The organization was created to serve as a support mechanism for informal consultations, and to provide expertise and efficient services in the newly emerging landscape of multilateral cooperation on migration and asylum issues. ICMPD is an international organization with 15 member States (Austria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Hungary, The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden and Switzerland), 146 staff members, a mission in Brussels and regional offices and representatives throughout Europe, Northern Africa, the Middle East and Latin America.