Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan hosted European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen at the Government, Armenian Government press office reports.
First, a private meeting between the Prime Minister of Armenia and the President of the European Commission took place, followed by an expanded-format meeting.
In his speech, the Prime Minister welcomed the visit of the delegation led by Ursula von der Leyen to Armenia and recalled that this is her second visit to the Republic of Armenia in the past two months. According to Nikol Pashinyan, this process means that the jointly adopted statements in recent years are not just words, but concrete actions that Armenia and the EU are implementing. “The first Armenia-EU summit was held in Yerevan in May, and I think it is very impressive how we are implementing the political agreements we have reached. Of course, well-known circumstances also contribute to some processes in our relations to move faster, but on the other hand, what we are implementing is an expression of our strategic perceptions, which we have recorded during our numerous meetings and discussions in the previous period," said Nikol Pashinyan.
The Prime Minister expressed gratitude for the support provided during this period. “We have been communicating in various formats in recent months, including a telephone conversation, during which you made a number of statements on support for Armenia, which are being implemented or have been implemented in practice today. Of course, this is very impressive, and also increases the level of trust in the Armenia-European Union cooperation and partnership among the public. Once again, my greetings and welcome,” said Prime Minister Pashinyan.
Ursula von der Leyen thanked for the warm hospitality and noted: “Dear Nikol, it is good to be back in Yerevan again, this is the second time in less than two months, as you said, and this proves the strength of our partnership and personal friendship. First of all, I would like to congratulate you on the results of the elections, I want to congratulate the Armenian people, who have chosen democracy, peace and closer ties with Europe,” said the President of the European Commission, adding that this is a big step and a vote of confidence.
According to Ursula von der Leyen, she is aware of the fact that not everyone likes the Armenia-EU rapprochement and stressed the EU's readiness to provide Armenia with the necessary assistance. "I am also here today to state unequivocally that if Russia closes its market to Armenian products, the European Union will open the door to Armenian products in the European Union's market of 450 million consumers. We want to support our friends, we want to support the peace process that is underway, for which I would like to express my appreciation to you. We also want to invest in connectivity projects that connect the European Union, the South Caucasus and Central Asia. Armenia plays a vital role here due to its location," said the President of the European Commission, adding that 200 million euros have been allocated for these investments, which could reach up to 2 billion euros. “These are important for the connectivity in this region,” said the President of the European Commission, expressing gratitude for the stable partnership and friendship.
The interlocutors discussed a number of agenda issues related to the consistent development of Armenia-European relations. They concerned the expansion of trade and economic ties, the promotion of democratic reforms in Armenia, and the process of visa liberalization. They also exchanged views on other topics of regional importance.
