On February 17 Arthur Baghdasaryan, President of the National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia received Benita Ferrero-Waldner, European Commissioner of Foreign Relations and European Neighbourhood Policy and the delegation headed by her.

Problems on democratic reforms, energy security and the resolution of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict were discussed during the meeting. Mrs. Ferrero-Waldner mentioned with satisfaction that the countries of the region have made progress in the economy and that keeping away from conflicts would allow quicken the development. She highlighted the implementation of the new European Neighbourhood Programme, which opens new perspectives for the regional countries.

At the guest’s request Arthur Baghdasaryan informed of the legislative activities to be made after the constitutional reforms in the National Assembly, the reforms in the judicial, electoral, local governmental and regional systems were highlighted. The deepening of democracy was emphasized as of political priority before the pan-national elections. Touching upon the relations with the neighbours, Arthur Baghdasaryan mentioned that democratic reforms will also contribute to the improvement of the inter-state relations. He attached importance to the efforts of the European Union, which are directed to support democratic processes in the countries of the South Caucasus.

Both parties highlighted the problems of energy security in the world and the necessity of finding alternative ways. Arthur Baghdasaryan, NA President stressed the importance of the implementation of the EU transport programmes within the framework of TRASECA, as well as the implementation of alternative energy programmes.

At the end of the meeting an agreement was reached to organize a joint conference with EU on the new European Neighbourhood Programme in the parliament of Armenia, which will be attended by the ambassadors of EU member countries and during which they will decide on the ways of Armenia-EU cooperation and its tasks.