EU technical mission to discuss details of Armenia-EU defense  cooperation - EU Ambassador to Armenia

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.