Bilateral relations and relations between Armenia and the European Union were the focus of a meeting today in Rome between Minister Emma Bonino and her Armenian colleague Eduard Nalbandyan.
On the bilateral relations front, the two ministers expressed their hope for continued growth in trade, even in light of the already excellent results for 2012 showing a rise of over 14% over the previous year. Deep appreciation was expressed also for strengthened cooperation in cultural and academic spheres.
Regarding relations with the EU, Minister Bonino, noting plans for joining the Euro-Asian Customs Union, expressed her hope that a mutually satisfying dialogue with Brussels would proceed in all the dimensions possible toward the signing of an Association Argeement.
Finally, Ministers Bonino and Nalbandyan discussed the Nagorno-Karabakh question. Italy confirmed willingness, also in international forums, to support a negotiated settlement between Armenia and Azerbaijan regarding the ceasefire and within the framework of the negotiations led by the Minsk group.
