YEREVAN, DECEMBER 7, ARMENPRESS. The talks over the new framework agreement with Brussels are moving forward on a very constructive and rapid pace, First Deputy Minister of Economic Development and Investments Garegin Melkonyan told reporters on December 7, reports “Armenpress”.

He said within the framework of these talks, the Ministry of Economic Development and Investments has carried out intensive works over trade and investments since mid-February. The Deputy Minister said although the talks were formally launched since December of the last year, but the European side was able to start the talks only in mid-February.   

“We have passed four stages, the one in Yerevan, the other in Brussels, the remaining two stages we have carried out in a video-conference format from the viewpoint of saving the resources. The agreement has 12-13 chapters related to Armenia, half of which are almost closed, still technical clarifications of 1-2 sentences are left. Just after a few days, we will hold the regular next session in Brussels on December 13-14, where, I am sure, it will be possible to close several chapters as well, and in fact, certain issues will be left, and I suppose, we will discuss them during the next stage at the beginning of the next year, perhaps in February and will move forward. According to my estimations, the talks are moving forward quite efficiently and constructively”, the Deputy Minister said and assured that quite huge professional and technical works are carried out on this path.

The Deputy Minister said for him the most important and priority issue is the content of the agreement, that’s why he avoided mentioning any timeframe.

“We put an emphasis on the content, and, in particular, it is very important that the sensitive and important issues for Armenia’s economy and the businessman must be properly formulated and must derive from the interests of our economy. Based on the effectiveness and constructive approaches of the talks, I think relatively little time has left for completing it, than the way we passed”, the Deputy Minister said.