The EU is one of Armenia's most trusted partners. Armenia and the European Union are closer than ever: Pashinyan

"Today's meeting reaffirmed that the European Union is one of Armenia's most trusted partners. Armenia and the European Union are closer than ever before. This statement is becoming more tangible with each passing day, acquiring not only political significance but also practical and economic dimensions."

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan made these remarks during a joint press conference with President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen.

"I am pleased to note that we discussed our joint efforts aimed at addressing Armenia's economic diversification agenda and the implementation of various European Union support mechanisms in this regard. In particular, I would like to express my gratitude for the €52 million in budget support provided by the EU, while expressing hope that the European Union's assistance in trade diversification and export promotion will continue.

I would also like to thank the European Commission for submitting a proposal to the EU Member States on the application of autonomous trade measures in favor of Armenian products. During our meeting, Madam President informed me of this initiative, and I am confident that she will also address it in her remarks.

Once this decision fully enters into force, Armenia will become the first country in recent years that neither has EU candidate status nor a free trade agreement with the European Union to benefit from this instrument.

I am confident that, through active cooperation with the European Union and the relevant institutions of its Member States, we will be able to complete the decision-making process within a short period. We also hope that the decision can be adopted as quickly as possible, given that the harvest season has already begun in Armenia," Pashinyan said.