An agreement for Armenia-EU visa regime facilitation will be signed in the days to come, to enter into force in mid-2013, the Armenian President said.

As Serzh Sargsyan told a joint news conference with the President of the European Commission José Manuel Barroso, the agreement will be followed by the launch of negotiations for lifting entry visa requirements for EU citizens.

“The process aims to stimulate contacts between the Armenian and EU communities, increase the number of mutual visits, creating new experience exchange opportunities for students and scientists,” the Armenian leader said.

Mr. Barroso in turn, expressed hope for visa regime facilitation agreement to strengthen Armenia-EU ties.

As Mr. Sargsyan noted in conclusion, Armenia will finalize Association Agreement talks with the EU before a 2013 Vilnius-hosted Eastern Partnership summit.