Foreign Minister Bob Carr welcomed the visit to Australia on Monday by the Foreign Minister of the Republic of Armenia, His Excellency Mr Edward Nalbandian.

Mr Nalbandian's visit, the first by an Armenian Foreign Minister in seven years, comes during the celebration in 2012 of the twentieth anniversary of diplomatic relations between Australia and Armenia.

In Canberra the two Foreign Ministers signed a Memorandum on Consultations to initiate regular talks between the two countries.

Senator Carr said the Memorandum is a reflection of the maturing relationship and cooperation on a range of bilateral and international issues.

"Both of our countries are committed to peace and security in Afghanistan and are long-term contributors to international efforts in that country," Senator Carr said.

Senator Carr praised the role of the Australian Armenian community in supporting the growing bilateral relationship.

"Armenia has a rich cultural heritage and active community in Australia," Senator Carr said.

"Australian Armenians have made significant contributions to sport, the arts, politics, and community service."

Mr Nalbandian met Armenian community members in Sydney on 12 August, Australian Government Ministers and parliamentarians, including the Australian-Armenian Parliamentary Group, in Canberra on 13 August.

He also led a roundtable discussion on Armenian foreign policy at the Australian Institute of International Affairs.

Two-way visits are an important component in the relationship and Armenia received the Prime Minister's Special Envoy, Dr Russell Trood, in June this year.

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