Petr Pavel praised Armenia`s efforts to reduce its dependence on Russia.

ArmInfo. Following talks at Prague Castle with Armenian President Vahagn Khachaturyan, who is in Prague on an official visit, Czech President Petr Pavel praised Armenia's desire to expand economic and security ties with other countries and reduce its dependence on Russia. He stated this to journalists at a press conference today, according to the Czech state news agency Ceske Noviny. The presidents also discussed the security situation in the South Caucasus, Armenia's relations with the European Union, and opportunities for further bilateral cooperation.

Pavel recalled the long history of relations between the Czech Republic and Armenia, which, he said, both countries are developing through open negotiations. "I'm glad we were able to exchange views on the situation in the region, both from a security and cooperation perspective," he noted.

The South Caucasus, according to Pavel, has long been a site of tension and conflict. In this regard, he recalled the battles for Nagorno-Karabakh. He called the calming of the situation in the South Caucasus good news for the region and Europe. He also mentioned efforts to stabilize Armenia's relations with Turkey and Azerbaijan.

The Czech President also emphasized the importance of transport links between Central Asian countries and Europe via Armenia, Turkey, and Georgia. He noted that this includes the transportation of energy products, raw materials, and goods between Asia and Europe. "These are things in which Europe and Armenia have a mutual interest," he added.

Pavel also praised Armenia's desire to diversify its economy and security ties, as well as to reduce its dependence on Russia, whose market the country still relies heavily on, particularly in the food industry. Therefore, strengthening relations with the European Union, according to the Czech President, could help Armenia find more trading partners.

The agency recalled that EU member states have adopted measures that will facilitate trade with Armenia. They are temporarily waiving most import duties from this South Caucasus country.

The Czech Republic fully supports these measures. I believe they are appropriate for several reasons. "They will help limit Russia's opportunities for blackmail, which uses the economy and energy sector to pressure countries," Pavel said, adding that this measure will also contribute to regional stability.

Pavel said that he and Khachaturyan did not discuss the specific process or timeframe for Armenia's possible accession to the European Union. Both leaders, he said, are committed to continuing broad cooperation between the EU and Armenia. Union expansion has always been conditional on the fulfillment of specific conditions, he noted. If Armenia fulfills them and there is interest on both sides, relations can deepen further. "It is in the interests of both countries to have as close relations as possible, but I would leave accession negotiations for the future," Pavel said.

Pavel sees room for further development of Czech-Armenian cooperation, for example, in high technology, energy, and the defense industry. Discussions on specific cooperation opportunities are expected to continue today at the delegation level. The Armenian President will remain in the Czech Republic until Friday.

The Armenian President, for his part, stated that his visit to the Czech Republic is a good opportunity to highlight the friendship between the two countries. Mutual relations, he said, are based on respect, and their most important pillar is a commitment to democracy.

The agency recalled that the last Armenian president to visit the Czech Republic was Serzh Sargsyan. He paid a state visit in January 2014 at the invitation of then-President Miloš Zeman. Current President Pavel met with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan at Prague Castle in May 2023 during his official visit to the Czech Republic. Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babiš (ANO party) visited Armenia in May of this year to participate in the eighth European Political Community Summit in Yerevan.