Bilateral relations and the relations between Armenia and the European Union have been the focus of the talks that the Foreign Minister Emma Bonino had today at the foreign ministry with his Armenian counterpart, Eduard Nalbandyan.

In terms of bilateral economic relations, the two Ministers called for further increases in trade, despite the already excellent results of 2012 which recorded more than 14% over the previous year. Also appreciated the strengthening of ties of cooperation in the cultural and academic.

With regard to relations with the EU, the Minister Bonino, taking into account the projects of Eurasian Customs Union membership, has expressed the hope that it connects to continue to the mutual satisfaction the intensification of dialogue with Brussels in all possible dimensions in view of the signing of the Association Agreement.

The Ministers Bonino and Nalbandyan have also discussed the issue of Nagorno-Karabakh. Italy has confirmed its willingness to support, including in international fora, a negotiated settlement between Armenia and Azerbaijan in compliance with the cease-fire and negotiations in the framework led by the Minsk Group.