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On January 30, the Head of My Step Faction of the RA National Assembly Lilit Makunts, the Secretary of the Prosperous Armenia Faction Arman Abovyan and the Head of the Bright Armenia Faction Edmon Marukyan met with Richard Tibbels, Head of Eastern Partnership Bilateral Relations Division of the European External Action Service (EEAS).

Welcoming the guest in the parliament, the representatives talked about their upcoming works and programmes in the National Assembly, touched upon the cooperation format within the Eastern Partnership framework. It was noted that as a result of economic reforms, necessity would occur to make legislative amendments.

Richard Tibbels has noted that after the occurred political changes this is his first visit to Armenia. According to him, the European Union would continue its support being shown to our country aimed at the implementation of the reforms. Richard Tibbels highlighted the role of the parliament in the processes of the ongoing reforms and political developments, as well as in the oversight towards the government activity, the provision of the decent legislative field for the implementation of the reforms. He has noted that the EU is ready to support the Parliament of Armenia in all directions.

During the meeting the sides also touched upon the peaceful settlement of the Nagorno Karabakh problem, the parliamentarians have underlined that irrespective of political situation the problem is always is in the centre of attention of our country.

On the same day the Chair of the RA NA Standing Committee on Foreign Relations Ruben Rubinyan, the Chair of the RA NA Standing Committee on Protection of Human Rights and Public Affairs Naira Zohrabyan and the Chair of the RA NA Standing Committee on European Integration Viktor Yengibaryan also met with Richard Tibbels, Head of Eastern Partnership Bilateral Relations Division of the European External Action Service.

Ruben Rubinyan especially emphasized the effective cooperation with the EU in the advancement of democratic values. Reflecting upon the inclusive process of the democratic reforms being implemented in our country he evaluated the support in this issue by the EU.

The Committee Chair expressed hope that the European Union would continue to back Armenia in the RA-EU Agreement ratification.

Naira Zohrabyan has emphasized the implementation of the purposeful investment programmes, underlining that they can be a serious impetus for the economic revolution in Armenia. According to the Committee Chair, the sphere of the information technologies, which spasmodically develops, also can be attractive for the foreign investors. He also highlighted the quick ratification of the RA-EU Agreement by the EU Member Countries.

Viktor Yengibaryan presented to the guests the functions of the NA Standing Committee on European Integration, in this context underscoring the key directions of cooperation with the EU.

Richard Tibbels, touching upon his activity and the goal of the visit, has stressed that Armenia can pin hope on the European Union, taking into consideration the occurred revolution and the final affirmation of that revolution through elections. With regards to the RA-EU Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement, the guest has stated that there is no restriction of any sphere for bilateral cooperation. As to Richard Tibbels, Armenia is a good example for the countries of the region with the respect that it effectively cooperates with the EU, at the same time not impeding the relations with other partners.

The speakers also talked about the activation of the negotiations over the EU entry visa liberalization, the full realization of the opportunities given to GSP+ systems and other issues.