ArmInfo. The initiative to launch Armenia's accession process to the European Union aligns with the ongoing cooperation with the EU and its member states, as well as with the aspirations of the Armenian people for European values.
Deputy Foreign Minister of the Republic of Armenia Paruyr Hovhannisyan made this remark during a meeting of the Commission on European Integration on January 24 while commenting on the government's stance on the proposed legislation on the launch of Armenia's EU accession process put forward by the initiative group.
As noted by the Deputy Minister, the desire to align more close with the EU was expressed in RA Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan's speech at the European Parliament. This aspiration is also reflected in the government's program for 2021-2026. Additionally, Hovhannisyan noted that the EU has declared its political support for the Armenian authorities. In the context of Armenia's EU integration, efforts are underway to enhance cooperation in various areas. There has been a significant increase in political dialogue, and discussions are ongoing regarding a new partnership agenda between the RA and the EU. The scope of relations has expanded to include cooperation in security and defense, among other areas.
Speaking about the compatibility of the EU and international structures, the Deputy Minister emphasized that Armenia as a member of the CSTO, also has the opportunity to use the instruments of the European Peace Facility. "This is an exceptional precedent, which demonstrates the possibility of using various platforms," Hovhannisyan said. In response to parliamentarians' question about potential geopolitical risks, the Deputy Minister referenced recent meetings of the RA Foreign Minister in Moscow and the Deputy Minister in Tehran. During these meetings, the entire agenda of bilateral relations between Armenia and Russia, as well as Armenia and Iran, was discussed. Hovhannisyan noted that this evidence of the country's authorities' balanced policy.