France welcomes conclusion of negotiations on EU- Armenia Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement

ArmInfo. France welcomes the conclusion of negotiations on the EU-Armenia Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement announced by European Council President Donald Tusk during Armenian President Serzh Sarkisian's visit to Brussels on February 27-28.

The statement published on the official website of the French Foreign Ministry, reads: "Finalized a few days ahead of President Sarkisian's official visit to France on March 8-9, this agreement responds to the French president's call in May 2014 to strengthen ties between the EU and Armenia. This agreement will step up the political dialogue between the EU and Armenia on our shared commitment to democracy, human rights and the rule of law. It will facilitate expanded cooperation on energy, transportation and the environment.  It will create new opportunities for trade and investment while protecting French and European geographical indications."

On February 27, President of the European Council Donald Tusk said at a joint press conference with Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan that he was very pleased to announce the conclusion of negotiations on the new EU-Armenia Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement.  "This new agreement will broaden the scope of our relations, taking into account the new global, political and economic interests we share and challenges we want to face together. We are looking forward to stronger cooperation in sectors such as energy, transport and the environment, for new opportunities in trade and investments, and for increased mobility for the benefit of our citizens," the press office of the Armenian President quoted Donald Tusk as saying.

To note, on October 12, in Luxembourg, the Council authorized the European Commission and the High Representative to open negotiations on a new, legally binding and overarching agreement with Armenia, and adopted the corresponding negotiating mandate. This agreement will replace the current EU-Armenia partnership and cooperation agreement.  The EU is committed to further developing and strengthening comprehensive cooperation with Armenia in all areas of mutual interest within the Eastern Partnership framework. On December 7, at the EU Headquarters in Brussels, Edward Nalbandian, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia and Federica Mogherini, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, announced the launch of negotiations on the new Armenia-European Union framework agreement. The first round of the talks took place in Jan 2016. In late 2016, Armenian Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian expressed hope that the talks on the new framework agreement will be over in the near future.