Armenian FM starts his tour to India

Armenia's Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandyan left for India on an official visit on Wednesday.

Armenian FM first visited New Delhi where he was received by Vice President of India, Chairman of the upper house of the Indian parliament Mohammad Hamid Ansari.

Welcoming Armenia's top diplomat, the Indian official expressed his country's willingness to take active steps towards developing friendly ties with Armenia.

He also hailed Mr Nalbandyan's visit as a good chance for summarizing the positive results in bilateral relations and elaborating new collaboration programs.

Expressing his gratitude for warm reception, Armenian FM highlighted the importance of strengthening and broadening ties with India as one of the world's most significant power.

The parties also stressed the importance of making bilateral dialogue more active, with a major focus on the organization of high-level visits.

The two officials also discussed further steps towards deepening economic and cultural cooperation in different spheres, including business, high technologies, agriculture and healthcare.

Armenian FM briefed the Indian Vice President on the problems in South Caucasus and introduced Armenia's position on their solution.

The parties exchanged views on a number of regional and international issues, stressing the role of peaceful settlement as the only way of settling problems.

The same day, Edward Nalbandyan met with Suresh K. Goel, Director General of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations.
The parties dwelled on humanitarian cooperation issues and discussed the possibility of opening an Indian Cultural Center in Armenia, broadening cooperation between Armenian Foreign Ministry's School of Diplomats and India's Council of Cultural Relations, opening an Indian Studies Chair at one of Armenia's universities and organizing days of Indian Culture in Armenia.

During his visit to New Dehli, Mr Nalbandyan also gave a long interview to Asian Age periodical.

Negotiations between the Armenian and Indian Foreign Ministers are scheduled for November 11.

Thereafter Mr Nalbandyan will deliver a speech at the Council on International Relation and give an interview to the Indian state television.