On 25 January, Deputy Minister Ruben Shugarian received European Union’s Special Representative for the South Caucasus, Ambassador Heikki Talvitie who is in Armenia in the framework of a regional visit.

The parties discussed EU’s New Neighborhood policy for the South Caucasus and Action plan to be prepared under this new framework.

EU Ambassador expressed confidence that Armenia – EU Action plan would be finally drafted in 2005 and adopted by both sides in 2006. The parties agreed that along with the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement between Armenia and European Union, this Action plan would become a useful tool for Armenia’s further European integration.

Ambassador Talvitie suggested that Armenia benefits from opportunities offered by the New Neighborhood policy by proposing various regional cooperation initiatives. In the initial stage, such programs could cover Armenia and Georgia and if successfully implemented, would establish a new momentum of regional cooperation.

The parties also explored the current status and prospects of Nagorno Karabagh conflict regulation and exchanged views on other issues of regional significance.

The above issues were also discussed at a round table with EU Ambassador, hosted by the Ministry on the same day.