Prime Minister Karen Karapetyan received a delegation led by EC Director-General for Neighborhood Policy and Enlargement Christian Danielsson.
Welcoming the guests, the Head of Government noted that the European agenda is a priority of Armenia’s foreign policy. “Our cooperation is based on shared values and it is important for us. Armenia is ready to advance, deepen and strengthen cooperation with the EU in all spheres of mutual interest. In this regard, important are the ingoing talks over the new EU-Armenia framework agreement,” the Premier said.
Karen Karapetyan stressed the importance of Armenia’s participation in COSME and Horizon-2020 programs, as well as the launch of the talks on Armenia’s accession to the General Aviation Zone agreement.
The Prime Minister welcomed EU Delegation’s active participation in the nationwide fight against corruption and thanked the EU for continued reform assistance extended to Armenia.
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Highly appreciative of the ongoing EU-Armenia talks over the new framework agreement, Christian Danielsson said they will usher in a new stage in bilateral relations. “Promoting the reform process will be important in terms of deepening and enriching our joint efforts, and we will stand by you in pushing ahead with ambitious reforms,” he said.
Touching upon the EU-Armenia partnership priorities, Mr Danielson stressed that the EU is keen to achieve economic development, improved business environment, stronger IT capacity, better infrastructures and public administration in Armenia. He welcomed the Government’s steps to fight corruption, noting that the EU is also interested in expanding cooperation with Armenia in the field of aviation.
Speaking about his government’s priorities, Prime Minister Karapetyan emphasized that the public sector reform is high on the agenda, and went on to note that it will help make progress in other areas. Karen Karapetyan said that focusing on the principle of public-private sector partnership, the Government Center for Strategic Initiatives will provide a platform to discuss reforms in various fields and economic development programs.
As they exchanged views on governance, reform of the judiciary, introduction of e-government facilities, infrastructure improvement, development of IT and other sectors, the interlocutors stressed the importance of exchange of experience and closer dialogue.
Christian Danielson welcomed Armenia’s achievements in the IT sector, noting that our country is quite strong in this sector, and Armenia’s scientific-technical and innovative achievements can serve as an example for many EU countries.
At the end of the meeting, the Prime Minister said Armenia is open for the development of a multifaceted cooperation with the European Union.