EU planning large investments in Armenia

Acting Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan received today a delegation led by European Commissioner for Enlargement and European Neighborhood Policy Oliver Varheliy, the Prime Minister’s Office reported.

Pashinyan welcomed Varhe, saying his visit is a demonstration of EU’s interest in developing cooperation with the Republic of Armenia. “Armenia is equally interested in developing relations with the EU,” Pashinyan said. He said after the crisis created by the 44-day war unleashed by Azerbaijan, the snap parliamentary elections were held in our country, which, according to international observers, met democratic standards.

Pashinyan conveyed satisfaction over the EU’s continued readiness to support programs aimed at Armenia’s development. The programs are aimed at strengthening democratic institutions, stimulating the economy, developing small and medium-sized businesses, and establishing a citizen as an institution.

“We appreciate the tangible package of programs aimed at the progress of Armenia by the European Union, which we assess as a response to the irreversible democratic processes taking place in Armenia,” Pashinyan said.

From his part, Oliver Varhe expressed hope that the global coronavirus crisis is coming to an end, so the parties can start implementing programs aimed at the post-crisis future.

“We want to participate in the development of Armenia’s democratic institutions and economic recovery. We are ready to contribute to the unprecedented economic and social recovery of your country in cooperation with the Government of Armenia,” he said.

He said that the package of 1.6 billion out of the total $ 2.6 billion euros envisaged for Armenia will used in five program directions: strengthening of democracy, promotion of economy, development of small-medium business, energy, infrastructure field.

“We can make a big difference with these big investments. These are powerful and large-scale projects that we can work together to make this a reality,” Varheliy said.

Pashinyan also spoke about the post-war situation, stressed the need to ensure the return of Armenian prisoners of war, and praised the contribution of the European Union, in particular, President of the European Council Charles Michel, to the return of 15 prisoners during the election period. He said Armenia is ready to take humanitarian steps and use the joint efforts of the international community to preserve the historical and cultural heritage of Nagorno Karabakh.