ArmInfo. On September 24, Edward Nalbandian, the Acting Foreign Minister of Armenia, had a meeting with Ban Ki-moon, the UN Secretary General, on sidelines of the 71st regular session of the UN General Assembly, according to the Foreign Ministry press-office.
The UN Secretary General expressed gratitude for the active involvement of Armenia into the activities of the Organization during his tenure and emphasized that the Armenian diplomacy has played a significant and constructive role in the international arena not only regarding its priorities, but also towards the settlement of the issues the Organization faces. Edward Nalbandian outlined that the efficient cooperation with the Secretary General Ban Ki- moon is highly appreciated in Armenia. The Minister thanked the UN Secretary General for his leadership, initiatives and exerted efforts aimed at the advancement of the UN Charter values, goals and principles.
The interlocutors discussed a number of issues on the UN agenda. Ban Ki-moon presented to Edward Nalbandian his book, which summarizes his last ten years' activity in the capacity of the Secretary General of the UN.
On the same day, Edward Nalbandian, the Acting Foreign Minister, had a meeting with Ibrahim al-Jaafari, the Foreign Minister of Iraq. In the course of meeting, the joint steps aimed at the further deepening of cooperation between the two friendly countries were discussed. In this regard, the Ministers attached importance to the organization of high-level mutual visits, efficient activity of the intergovernmental committee, holding of regular consultations between the MFAs, as well as enhancement of interaction within the framework of international organizations. The sides mutually commended that year by year the business contacts are deepening, the trade turnover is expanding already reaching 120mln dollars. The Foreign Minister of Iraq briefed Edward Nalbandian on the establishment of stability and fight against terrorism in his country. The interlocutors exchanged views on a number of international and regional issues. Earlier, on September 23, Edward Nalbandian had a meeting with Walid Muallem, the Foreign Minister of the Syrian Arab Republic.
During the meeting, the sides exchanged views on the steps being exerted for the peaceful settlement of the Syrian crisis and the international initiatives to that end.
Edward Nalbandian, expressed hope that the recent agreements reached on the settlement of the Syrian crisis will be respected and implemented, thus paving a way towards the launch of comprehensive talks on the peaceful resolution of the crisis.