Well known circumstances also contribute to the acceleration of certain processes in our relations: Pashinyan – von der Leyen

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan welcomed President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen at the Government House.

The meeting began with a private discussion between the Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia and the President of the European Commission, followed by an expanded meeting with their respective delegations.

In his remarks, the Prime Minister welcomed the delegation led by Ursula von der Leyen to Armenia and noted that this was her second visit to the Republic of Armenia in the past two months. According to Nikol Pashinyan, this demonstrates that the joint statements adopted in recent years are not merely words but are being translated into concrete actions by Armenia and the European Union.

"In May, the first Armenia–European Union Summit was held in Yerevan, and I believe it is very impressive to see the concrete steps through which we are implementing the political agreements we have reached. Of course, the well-known circumstances are also contributing to the fact that certain processes in our relations are advancing more rapidly. At the same time, what we are implementing reflects our strategic vision, which has been shaped during our many meetings and discussions over the past period," Prime Minister Pashinyan said.

The Prime Minister expressed his gratitude for the support provided throughout this period.

"Over the past few months, we have remained in close contact through various formats, including a telephone conversation during which you made a number of statements regarding support for Armenia. Today, those commitments are either being implemented or have already been fulfilled. This is indeed very impressive and also increases public confidence in Armenia–European Union cooperation and partnership. Once again, I warmly welcome you and wish you a pleasant stay," Prime Minister Pashinyan said.

Ursula von der Leyen thanked the Prime Minister for the warm hospitality and stated:

"Dear Nikol, it is wonderful to be back in Yerevan. As you mentioned, this is already my second visit in less than two months, and this demonstrates the strength of our partnership and our personal friendship. First of all, I would like to congratulate you on the election results, and I also congratulate the people of Armenia, who have chosen democracy, peace, and closer ties with Europe."

The President of the European Commission added that this represents an important step and a strong vote of confidence.

According to Ursula von der Leyen, she is fully aware that not everyone welcomes the rapprochement between Armenia and the European Union, and she emphasized the EU's readiness to provide Armenia with the support it needs.

"I am here today to state unequivocally that if Russia closes its market to Armenian products, the European Union will open its market of 450 million consumers to Armenian goods. We want to support our friends. We want to support the ongoing peace process, for which I would also like to express my appreciation to you. We also want to invest in connectivity projects linking the European Union, the South Caucasus, and Central Asia. Armenia plays a vital role in this thanks to its geographic position," said the President of the European Commission.

She added that €200 million has been allocated for these investments, with the potential to increase to as much as €2 billion.

"These investments are essential for strengthening connectivity in this region," the President of the European Commission said, thanking Armenia for its stable partnership and friendship.

The interlocutors discussed a number of agenda items related to the continued development of Armenia–European Union relations. The discussions covered the expansion of trade and economic cooperation, the advancement of democratic reforms in Armenia, and the visa liberalization process. They also exchanged views on other issues of regional importance.