ArmInfo. Armenia attaches importance to deepening relations with the European Union. The Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan said this on January 29, when receiving the European Commissioner for Neighborhood Policy and Enlargement Johannes Hahn.
During the meeting, the Prime Minister highly appreciated the EU assistance in the process of democratic development and reforms in the country, reports the press service of the RA government. He stressed that Armenia is ready to continue cooperation with the EU in the framework of the Comprehensive and Enlarged Partnership Agreement. "Democracy is a value for our society, internal confidence, not a geopolitical orientation. In this context, we attach great importance to EU support for democratic reforms in Armenia," Nikol Pashinyan said.
Speaking about the parliamentary elections held on December 9, 2018, the head of state stressed that they were free and transparent, which was accepted by international observation missions, and Armenia is steadily moving along the path of developing democracy. The Prime Minister stressed that the implementation of the economic revolution in the country is on the government's agenda, and consistent steps are being taken in this direction.
In turn, Johannes Hahn noted that the European Union attaches great importance to the consistent development of relations with Armenia and is ready to contribute to the implementation of reforms in various fields initiated by the government of Armenia. EU Commissioner welcomed democratic changes occurring in our country, stressing that the republic as a member of the Eastern Partnership program is an important partner for the EU. The interlocutors exchanged views on the Armenia-EU agenda, raised issues related to the Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement. Issues related to the development of democratic institutions, the strengthening of the rule of law, the protection of human rights, the reform of the judicial system, the fight against corruption and the improvement of the business environment were also discussed. Both sides stressed the need to strengthen an independent judiciary.
Nikol Pashinyan and Johannes Khan also discussed opportunities for further expansion of economic cooperation, expansion of programs implemented in Armenia by the EU. In particular, the interlocutors were unanimous about the importance of implementing new initiatives in the areas of infrastructure, education, energy and other areas. Prime Minister Pashinyan noted that Armenia attaches great importance to the consistent development of cooperation with all partners and emphasizes the importance of Armenia-EAEU relations, as well as the deepening of Armenia-EU economic relations. The Prime Minister and the EU Commissioner also exchanged views on regional issues, including the process of resolving the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.