On November 15th, the Prime Minister of Armenia, Nikol Pashinyan, arrived in Brussels to attend the Eastern Partnership Forum of the Council of the European Union, as announced by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

In his speech at the forum, Prime Minister Pashinyan expressed his honor in representing Armenia at the Eastern Partnership Forum of the Council of the European Union. He highlighted the importance of openly discussing and evaluating developments in the Eastern Partnership countries, as well as the region and the European level.

Prime Minister Pashinyan acknowledged the role of the Eastern Partnership in the transformation of the partner countries since its launch in 2009. Despite the challenges faced by Armenia, including the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 war, military operations, and aggression from Azerbaijan, the country remains committed to the political and democratic values of the Eastern Partnership.

However, Prime Minister Pashinyan emphasized the need for a safe space to protect democracy. He discussed the rise of militarism, terrorism, and the violation of democratic values in Europe, as well as the interference of neighboring countries in Armenia’s internal affairs. Despite these challenges, the government of Armenia continues to strive for the promotion of democratic values and European integration processes.

Prime Minister Pashinyan expressed gratitude to the EU for its high-level mediation in the resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. He expressed confidence in the European Union’s ongoing support for the resolution process.

Addressing the role of the Eastern Partnership in enhancing democracy and cooperation in partner countries, Prime Minister Pashinyan announced that Armenia and the EU have started negotiations on a comprehensive expanded partnership agreement. He expressed confidence in the European Union’s contribution to the development of democracy and effective cooperation in Armenia through this agreement and the allocation of substantial funds.

Finally, Prime Minister Pashinyan announced the launch of the “Culture of Democracy” program in Armenia, which aims to promote democracy and cooperation through various actions and initiatives. He expressed hope that the European Union would support this initiative by utilizing its experience and resources.

In conclusion, Prime Minister Pashinyan’s speech highlighted Armenia’s commitment to the values of the Eastern Partnership and its dedication to promoting democracy and cooperation in the region. The Prime Minister expressed gratitude to the EU for its support in the resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and emphasized the importance of continued partnership with the European Union in achieving these goals.

News from Armenia – NEWS.am