The President of the Republic, Vahagn Khachaturyan, gave a speech at the panel discussion entitled "Digital Infrastructures," held as part of the "Global Gateway" conference in Brussels.

President Vahagn Khachaturyan's speech.

"First, I would like to thank President von der Leyen for this critical initiative of holding the inaugural Global Gateways conference and bringing together many high-level participants to exchange views on important issues.

Dear friends,

Armenia has always been committed to expanding partnerships with the European Union, its member states, and other partners in all areas of mutual interest for the well-being of our people.

In particular, pipeline projects have long been among the priorities of the Armenian government, and we are ready to take joint steps to exploit the enormous potential of Global Gateways, including the possible export of green energy to Europe. Armenia wants to explore its participation in regional transit projects, including the Black Sea undersea electricity and fiber optic cable projects.

Unfortunately, we see the continuous efforts of some countries to isolate us from regional and trans-regional programs. In this regard, we rely on the understanding and support of our EU partners.

Another important initiative is the "EU for Digitization" program to support the agenda of digital reforms in Armenia. It promotes critical areas of the digital economy and society, in line with EU norms and experience, to drive economic growth, create more jobs, improve people's lives, and support businesses. The project is based on the long history of the Armenia-EU partnership in e-government and digitization.

We should also consider promoting cooperation in artificial intelligence, where Armenia already has significant achievements. There's no need to elaborate on the importance of artificial intelligence except that it can serve as another tool in our shared goal of more inclusive connectivity.

We must also jointly promote the implementation of the EaP economic and investment plan, particularly the leading initiatives designed for Armenia. This requires constant coordination, cooperation, and determination. Investments in the fields of digital transformation, innovation, science, and technology are among the priority initiatives for Armenia.

Yesterday, I was happy to attend the signing ceremony of the statement of intent by Commissioner Varhei and EBV Vice President Fayole regarding the implementation of two educational centers to be built in the Syunik region of Armenia and operated by "COAF (Children of Armenia Foundation)." Starting as an infrastructure improvement project, it has grown into a holistic initiative. Through education, health resources, social services, and vocational training, along with economic and infrastructure initiatives, COAF has made a difference for the better in 82 communities.

Over the past two decades, the program has positively changed the lives of more than 100,000 youth. The COAF project and the TUMO creative education center are Armenian innovations we are willing to share with our partners as a concept promoting children's innovative ideas and vision.

This will help further strengthen the link between formal and non-formal education. The construction of these intelligent centers in Syunik will contribute to developing the southern regions of Armenia.

Rapid technological development and the increasing role of technology and digitalization in everyday life provide opportunities to expand communication and cooperation between continents. However, it has also increased threats and information falsification [U1] mechanisms. In this regard, we are ready to deepen our cooperation with the EU and other interested partners in the fight against hybrid and cyber threats and disinformation directly directed against Armenia's democracy and democratic institutions.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Over the past few years, and especially after the ethnic cleansing and mass deportation of Armenians in Nagorno-Karabakh, we have faced unprecedented challenges that have increased the importance of access to secure and reliable digital infrastructure and technology. I think that the political leaders' real political will and determination to establish a just peace in our region are prerequisites for developing such infrastructure.

Taking advantage of this opportunity, I emphasize that Armenia is fully committed to re-opening North-South and East-West communications in the region, including through the territory of Armenia. This will connect the Caspian Sea to the Mediterranean Sea and the Black Sea to the Persian Gulf. And it can serve as a long-term guarantee of stability and development in the region and become an essential link for global economic cooperation. Armenia strives to be a part of regional projects within the "Crossroads of Peace" concept framework.

Ladies and gentlemen,

As a scientist in economics, I would like to conclude my speech by saying a straightforward truth: investment in knowledge brings the best interest.

The lack of peace in many regions, including ours, forces us to spend vast amounts of money on defense and armaments. When we recognize that by investing in education instead, we are investing in our future, we will have a connected, predictable, and prosperous world with many open global gateways around the world."