Politics
We have launched a dialogue on visa liberalization, and we are seeing progress. Mirzoyan
The RA Foreign Minister Ararat made the following statement at the press conference with the EU High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security Policy and the Commissioner for Enlargement following the 6th meeting of the Armenia-EU Partnership Council.
"Dear colleagues, representatives of the media, I would like to thank High Representative Kalas and Commissioner Kos for hosting us in Brussels and for the excellent organization of this productive meeting.
Madam High Representative, Madam Commissioner, looking back on the period since our last meeting in this format, I would like to emphasize that it has been a significant period for our partnership, with key developments.
While the Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement serves as a solid legal basis for the Armenia-EU partnership, we have developed our relations beyond the CEPA framework, enriching them in new directions.
It is noteworthy that the natural pace of development of our relations and the new essential results achieved sometimes exceed our ability to formulate them and integrate them into our broader agenda.
Throughout this process, we appreciate the EU's readiness to deepen our partnership, including through instruments designed for EU candidate countries. This reflects mutual political commitment and interest, as well as Armenia's ambitions, aspirations, and performance on our common priorities.
So, I want to touch upon some aspects of the most tangible joint results.
First, to ensure concrete results for our citizens, we have jointly launched the visa liberalization dialogue and are seeing progress, including through the Action Plan. Once the benchmarks are implemented, we will ensure improved mobility. Committed to reforms, we count on the support of the EU and the Member States on this path leading to the final liberalization of the visa regime.
Second, enhanced cooperation in defense and security. Armenia received the first package of assistance under the European Peace Facility, opening new horizons for cooperation. During the visit of the EU High Representative Kaya Kalas to Armenia, we launched the Security and Defense Consultations and signed. Today, we have also announced the ratification of the Agreement between the Republic of Armenia and the European Union on the Framework for the Participation of the Republic of Armenia in European Union Crisis Management Operations. Of course, the effective operation of the EU Civilian Mission in Armenia is also one of the essential pillars of our cooperation.
Third, Economy and Reforms. The Stability and Growth Programme is key to advancing the reform agenda, expanding sectoral cooperation, and increasing investment volumes in key strategic areas. We are confident that our continued partnership will further strengthen Armenia's resilience, including through new initiatives to counter hybrid threats and the continued strengthening of democratic institutions.
Fourth, Interdependence. It is already widely accepted that Armenia's vision of expanding regional connectivity, the "Crossroads of Peace", is not only entirely in line with the EU's "Global Gateway" and the Black Sea Strategy but also constitutes an essential link in the broader connectivity chain. Thus, today we have discussed both specific projects and the prospects for a broader unblocking of regional infrastructure, which, as European Commission President von der Leyen emphasized earlier this year, can be a game-changer. Among other initiatives, we have touched on the ongoing work to implement the "Trump Road" project.
The agreements of the peace summit held in Washington on August 8 have created unprecedented opportunities and momentum. Further steps, including the opening of the Armenia-Turkey border and the promotion of significant infrastructure projects, could significantly transform the economic and political architecture of the entire region.
Dear colleagues,
All this has prepared the ground for the result we have achieved today. A few minutes ago, we adopted a new Armenia-EU Strategic Agenda that complements the Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement (CEPA) and elevates our partnership to a strategic level. And this is by no means the end of our ambitions. As you know, the Armenian Parliament adopted the law "On the launch of the process of accession of the Republic of Armenia to the European Union" in March.
The message of today's meeting is clear: the Armenia-EU partnership is entering a new, more ambitious phase, with a shared vision and a shared responsibility to deliver concrete, meaningful results for our citizens. The first Armenia-EU Summit, which will take place in Yerevan on May 5, 2026, immediately following the 8th Summit of the European Political Community, will be another unique opportunity on that path, and we look forward to seeing you in Yerevan."
