Acting Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan today received the EU-member States’ Ambassadors accredited in Armenia, led by the Head of EU Delegation to Armenia, Ambassador Piotr Switalski.
Noting that the development of relationships with the European Union is high on Armenia’s foreign policy agenda, Nikol Pashinyan stressed the importance of the Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement, which provides effective mechanisms for developing partnership and implementing reforms in our country. He pointed out that the interdepartmental commission has already developed and forwarded to the European Union a roadmap for implementing the Agreement.
The Acting Prime Minister said that Armenia is undergoing historical changes, and the reforms are aimed at developing democracy, the economy, fighting corruption, modernizing the judiciary, protecting human rights, promoting freedom of speech, etc. He emphasized that the ongoing transformations and reforms are based on the demands of society. The Acting Head of Government stressed the importance of EU’s financial and technical assistance, convinced that it could help enhance the efficiency of joint efforts. Nikol Pashinyan said the fight against corruption and other reforms are a priority for his government in the New Armenia.
Touching upon the upcoming parliamentary elections, Nikol Pashinyan said they are of paramount importance in terms of strengthening democracy in our country.
“The new parliament and government will be built on broad public support and trust, which will help bring to completion the revolutionary process. I wish to thank the EU for support in organizing the elections. We are set for the reform of our political and economic institutions. However, your support will help us complement the existing opportunities to make reforms more effective. It is not accidental that today as we have recorded tangible progress in strengthening democracy, the Armenian society expects greater assistance from European partners,” Nikol Pashinyan said.
The Acting Head of Government stressed that the Eastern Partnership is the driving force of Armenia’s cooperation with the EU, and our country is prepared to do everything possible to maximize the impact of interactions. Nikol Pashinyan highlighted the steps aimed at increasing in trade and investment-targeted cooperation.
“The more effectively we enforce the rule of law and provide equal economic conditions, the broader prospects will be available for developing economic exchanges and attracting investments from the EU countries,” the Acting Prime Minister said, noting the importance of steps to liberalize the visa regime.
Nikol Pashinyan expressed satisfaction with the EU’s balanced approach to the settlement of the Artsakh problem and their support for the OSCE Minsk Group Co-chairs’ efforts. Nikol Pashinyan stressed the importance of closer acquaintance with the needs and aspirations of the people of Artsakh. He drew attention to the need to use in EU documents mutually agreed language that would correspond to the position of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-chairs, and also stressed the importance of EU’s consistent efforts to prevent military escalation and provocations in the region.
Piotr Switalski highlighted the fact of positive changes in Armenia and expressed confidence that they would result in new achievements for the people of Armenia. The Ambassador noted that the implementation of programs in specific areas under the Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement might help implement comprehensive institutional reforms in Armenia, which will give fresh impetus to our country’s development and progress.
Piotr Switalski noted the importance and welcomed the steps taken by the government to implement targeted and consistent programs to combat corruption, modernize the system of public administration, protect human rights, strengthen freedom of speech, and improve the investment environment. The Ambassador stressed that the EU is ready to continue supporting the Armenian partners. He expressed confidence that as assisted by the European Union, the early parliamentary elections will be free, fair and transparent in Armenia. “We are looking forth to the best elections in Armenia’s history,” Piotr Switalski said.
Nikol Pashinyan answered the Ambassadors’ questions concerning the political changes in Armenia, the reform process, the upcoming parliamentary elections, the settlement of the Karabakh conflict and other issues of regional importance.
