ArmInfo.Late this year or early next year, a EU technical mission will arrive in Armenia, Vassilis Maragos, EU Ambassador to Armenia, stated at an UNDP- organized innovation forum in Armenia.
He noted that after the visit, the details of cooperation between Armenia and the EU in the defense sector will become known. "The EU is interested in cooperation with Armenia in this direction," noted the European diplomat. Stating that the EU is committed to the peace agenda, Maragos said cooperation between the parties in peace processes will be increased.
The Ambassador recalled the deployment of the EU observation mission along the entire border of Armenia, which, according to him, has already brought the first results. In this context, he noted that, also thanks to the work of the mission, there has recently been a noticeable decrease in tension on the border. "We are ready to continue discussions with Brussels and EU member states in the context of expanding the observation mission," Maragos said.
Speaking about the visit of the EU representative delegation to Armenia last week, he noted that active discussions took place, the results of which will be presented to all EU member countries, and only after that the European side will voice specific proposals. In this context, the diplomat noted that the EU is interested in expanding cooperation with Armenia in all areas. In this regard, he paid special attention to the defense sector, investment interaction and the implementation of the EU-Armenia Enhanced and Comprehensive Partnership Agreement (CEPA).
From November 27 to 29, a delegation of representatives of the EU External Action Service and the European Commission was in Armenia to consider possible areas for deepening and strengthening EU- Armenia ties in all areas, including within the framework of the Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement. During the past meetings, the mutual interest of Armenia and the EU in continuing dialogue and cooperation in the fields of security and defense was confirmed. In particular, the European Union will further explore non-lethal support for the Armenian armed forces within the framework of the European Peace Fund.
In connection with the visit, the launch of an investment coordination platform between the European Union and the Republic of Armenia was also announced. The platform will bring together the EU, the Armenian government and international financial institutions and will help further increase EU investment in Armenia under the Economic and Investment Plan, which has already mobilized up to ?500 million of investment in Armenia.