Armenia is interested in deepening cooperation with the European Union (EU) in transport infrastructure, energy, and high tech. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan on Thursday stated this during a joint press briefing with visiting European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, in Yerevan.

Noting that this cooperation is based on shared principles and values, such as democracy, the rule of law and human rights, Pashinyan added that the choice of Armenia’s citizens has once again reaffirmed their support for the path taken by their government.

According to him, the meeting held before the aforesaid press briefing confirmed that the EU is one of Armenia's most reliable partners, and the slogan that Armenia is closer to the EU than ever is gaining more and more confirmation every day.

The Armenian premier expressed gratitude for the 52 million euros in budgetary support provided to Armenia by the EU, as well as for the submission of a bill on the application of autonomous trade measures to Armenian goods in EU member states.

“After this decision enters into force, Armenia will become the first country that does not have the status of a candidate for European Union membership or a free trade agreement with the EU, but for which the European Union will apply this instrument,” the Armenian prime minister noted.

He added that the Armenian side hopes to complete the decision-making process as soon as possible as a result of active cooperation with the EU and its member states, taking into account that the harvest season has already begun in Armenia.

As per Pashinyan, Armenia is interested in deepening cooperation with the EU in transport infrastructure, energy, and high tech. He recalled that in recent months Armenia and the EU have made significant progress in transport infrastructure.

According to him, one of the projects of strategic importance for Armenia in the energy sector is the construction of energy storages, which will enable more efficient use of energy from renewable sources.

“We also discussed with my colleague the issue of the formation and distribution of EU support in this domain,” Pashinyan added.

Reflecting on Armenia’s “Crossroads of Peace” initiative, the premier stressed the importance of expanding energy connectivity, including the construction of power lines and interconnectors with Turkey and Azerbaijan.

“This can contribute to both strengthening energy security and achieving the goals of green transition,” he added.

The prime minister noted that Armenia is also interested in closer cooperation with the EU in digital technology, artificial intelligence, high tech and innovation, while creating an environment that will facilitate the growth of European private investment in the country.

“In this context, I also attach great importance to Armenia’s participation in the projects of underwater power lines and digital cables in the Black Sea,” Pashinyan added.

Also, he expressed gratitude to the EU for its continued support for Armenia’s democratic institutions, economic stability, and deepening bilateral cooperation for the benefit of the peoples and the future of the Armenia-European Union partnership.