Statement by theand Responses to journalists’ questions during the Joint press conference with the High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy
Good afternoon, Madam Kallas,
Distinguished members of the press,
Ladies and gentlemen,
Read also
I am pleased to welcome the Vice-President of the European Commission and High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Ms Kaja Kallas and her delegation to Armenia.
In recent months, we have had numerous opportunities to touch upon activities aimed at deepening the Armenia–EU partnership. Today, I am particularly pleased that, together with High Representative Kallas, we are marking three significant achievements:
First, we have just signed the Agreement between the Republic of Armenia and the European Union on the Participation of the Republic of Armenia in EU Crisis Management Missions. This agreement serves as a vivid demonstration of the shared commitment between Armenia and the EU to expand the partnership agenda. It also reflects Armenia’s aspiration and intent to contribute constructively to promotion of global security, stability and peace worldwide.
Second, today we jointly launched security and defense consultations between Armenia and the EU. Initiating consultations in the spheres of defense and security is a critical step towards aligning our cooperation framework with contemporary challenges and intensifying joint efforts to address them. In this context, I would especially like to highlight our collaboration aimed at strengthening Armenia’s resilience and advancing democratic institutions, including efforts that also encompass combating hybrid threats and disinformation. In this context, of course, within today’s discussions we emphasized the importance of the work carried out by the EU Monitoring Mission in Armenia and examined the provision of assistance to Armenia through the European Peace Facility.
Third, I am pleased to announce that Armenia and the European Union have successfully concluded negotiations on the new Partnership Agenda. This is an ambitious document that will enrich and deepen the bilateral Armenia–EU agenda through new areas of cooperation, while also promoting the effective implementation of the Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement between Armenia and the EU.
Thus, we can surely state today that Armenia–EU relations have never been as comprehensive and close as they are now.
Taking this opportunity, I would like to express our sincere gratitude to the European Union for its programs and financial assistance over the past years, and for standing with Armenia during difficult times. It is also appropriate to recall the Resilience and Growth Plan, along with other mechanisms through which we have maintained active cooperation.
I want to remind you that recently the National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia passed the law on launching the process of Armenia’s accession to the EU, which emphasized the European aspirations of the citizens of Armenia. I had an opportunity with my colleague to discuss the possible further realistic steps for implementing this law.
We have also discussed the issues related to the successful progress of the visa liberalization dialogue, which in our opinion is the best opportunity for the citizens of Armenia to get close to the EU and we expect tangible steps in this direction in parallel with the implementation of the necessary reforms by Armenia.
Moving forward to the economic component, I should mention that in this context we have discussed the programs and the toolbox through which we can also deepen our economic ties ensuring access to the European Market and effective connectivity as well.
In continuation, I should add that during our meeting with the High Representative we have also discussed the initiatives with EU involvement in the fields of regional interconnectivity. In this context I have underlined the compatibility of the EU “Global Gateway” strategy with the Armenian government’s “Crossroads of Peace” project, and I would even add – their potential to complement each other. Of course here we can also add the idea of the ‘Middle corridor”, around which we had discussions with our other partners too. In this context I will emphasize the bridging role of the South Caucasus between Europe on one side and Central and East Asia on the other side. It is also timely to mention the EU’s other relevant new strategy, namely the newly announced Black Sea strategy.
Dear colleagues,
This meeting takes place amid various geopolitical developments, which again are showing the big quest for ensuring regional stability, peace and the existing challenges in this path.
In this context we have reflected on the recent events in the Middle East.
Regarding the security situation in the South Caucasus, I have presented the recent developments in the process of the normalization of Armenia-Azerbaijan relations and again I have underlined the Armenia’s willingness to start consultations with Azerbaijan to decide the venue and the time of signing the treaty and in general to discuss all the issues related to the entire spectrum of the normalization. Like in the past, also today we are still very constructive.
Dear colleagues,
Today with the High Representative we have also discussed the questions related to the European Political Community Summit which will be held in Armenia in spring 2026. This is also an important event, a direction, where both of us should bring our efforts together.
Concluding my remarks, I want to express sincere gratitude to the High Representative for the deep and detailed deliberations. The agreements we reached today certainly are creating the basis for deepening our cooperation and keeping the intensive dynamic that we already have formed.
Thank you.