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EAEU holds negotiations with Israel, Serbia and Singapore – Egypt and India waiting for their turn

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YEREVAN, MAY 14, ARMENPRESS. The Eurasian Economic Union successfully develops partnership with other countries and unions, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced during the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council session.

“FTA with Vietnam operates successfully. A trade and economic agreement with China is planned to be signed this week in Astana, as well as a temporary agreement with Iran on creating free trade zone. Talks with Israel, Serbia and Singapore on privileged agreements are underway. In the future similar negotiations are scheduled with Egypt and India”, ARMENPRESS reports the Russian President as saying.

According to him, the priority issues of the integration structure are increasing the efficiency of the single markets, the harmonization of national legislations in different spheres, the elimination of restrictions on the free movement of goods, services, capital, labor, creating more favorable conditions for the development of entrepreneurial activity.

“In general, the Eurasian Economic Union develops rather dynamically. GDP in member states rose by 1.8%, industrial products by 1.7%, agricultural products by 2.5% in 2017, while the average price rise has declined by 3.1% in the member states. Internal and external trade has also improved. Exports to the 3rd countries have increased by 24.5%, and trade turnover has increased by 26.1%”, the Russian president said.

The Supreme Eurasian Economic Council session took place on May 14 with the participation of the Heads of State of all the member states. Moldova participated in the expanded format session as an EAEU observer state. Armenian PM held meetings with the Presidents of Russia, Belarus and Kyrgyzstan in the sidelines of the summit.

Kurz: Austria ready to offer its territory for negotiations on Karabakh

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Austrian Foreign Minister Sebastian Kurz.

Austrian Foreign Minister Sebastian Kurz.

Austria is ready to help in its mediation efforts during our OSCE Chairmanship, and will also support the other elements of the Minsk Process, Austrian Foreign Minister Sebastian Kurz said in an interview with Today.az.

“This is a decisive period and together with our international partners in the OSCE and the EU we are very clear that there can only be a peaceful solution to this conflict. We therefore call on all sides to focus on dialogue and diplomacy. There are ideas and offers on the table to strengthen trust and foster cooperation. The basic elements for further negotiations towards a peace agreement have been agreed upon by both Presidents – the “Madrid Principles”, with small adaptations, have been on the table now for nearly 10 years – so there is a basis and concrete issues to speak about,” the Minister said.

As a neutral country and chairman of the organization, “we are fully aware of our high responsibility in this respect”, Kurz added.

“While Austria is not a member in the Minsk Group, we are ready to help in its mediation efforts during our OSCE Chairmanship, and will also support the other elements of the “Minsk Process”. Azerbaijanis and Armenians can be assured that Austria is prepared to help in their search for a peaceful solution of this conflict – through offering our neutral territory for negotiations, expert dialogue, youth meetings or any other activities that support to focus on peace and exclude the perspectives of war,” the Minister added.

EU authorized Commission to open negotiations on new agreement with Armenia

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EU-ArmeniaThe EU Foreign Affairs Council authorized the European Commission and the High Representative to open negotiations on a new, legally binding and overarching agreement with Armenia.

The decision has been adopted during the EU ministers during their meeting on Monday.

This agreement will replace the current EU-Armenia partnership and cooperation, Virginie Battu-Henriksson,  press officer for foreign affairs and development cooperation, said in a response to inquiry by Armenian News-NEWS.am.

The EU is committed to further develop and strengthen comprehensive cooperation with Armenia in all areas of mutual interest within the Eastern Partnership framework. The official launching of negotiations is envisaged to take place before the end of the year.