Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and the President of the Republic of Latvia Discussed Steps Toward Further Development of Armenia–Latvia Relations

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan welcomed to the Government headquarters the delegation led by President Edgars Rinkēvičs of the Republic of Latvia, who arrived in Armenia on an official visit.

Prime Minister Pashinyan welcomed the Latvian President’s delegation to Armenia. “First of all, I would like to thank you and Latvia for supporting our candidacy to host the European Political Community Summit, and it was truly a historic event for Armenia. The first Armenia–EU summit also took place, which was equally very important. And of course, we see and feel Latvia’s growing support for our democracy, our reform agenda, and the deepening of our cooperation with the EU,” said the Prime Minister.

Nikol Pashinyan noted that Armenia highly appreciates all of this and emphasized that Edgars Rinkēvičs’ visit is another strong demonstration of deepening bilateral and multilateral relations.

The Latvian President thanked Armenia for the warm hospitality and added that he had previously visited Armenia in 2015 as Foreign Minister. “But I was surprised to learn that this is the first visit at the presidential level since 2009 — meaning after 17 years. Let me say that we see Armenia as a very good friend and partner, both in terms of bilateral cooperation and within the framework of Armenia–EU partnership. We welcome your decision to embark on the European path, and of course, you can fully rely on us,” said Edgars Rinkēvičs, conveying warm greetings from the Prime Minister of Latvia to Nikol Pashinyan.

The interlocutors discussed issues related to the development of trade and economic ties, as well as the expansion of cooperation in various sectors, including tourism and education.

They also touched upon the development of Armenia–European relations. In this context, both sides emphasized the importance of holding the first Armenia–EU summit and the progress recorded in the visa liberalization process. The Latvian President expressed his country’s support for the visa liberalization process and confidence that it would also contribute to expanding bilateral tourism ties.

The parties also exchanged views on the peace established between Armenia and Azerbaijan, as well as on other issues of regional significance.