Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan rules out a repeat of the situation when Armenia suddenly decided to join the Customs Union, which led to the impossibility of signing an association agreement with the European Union (EU).

At a joint press briefing Thursday in Yerevan with visiting European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Pashinyan, answering a question about such a possibility, unequivocally stated "no".

"Especially now, when the people of Armenia have clearly supported the government's policy," Pashinyan added.

According to him, on the other hand, Armenia has never set a goal to create a crisis in relations with Russia. Pashinyan assured that he acts in the interests of his country and, while respecting the interests of partners, cannot put them above the interests of Armenia.

When asked who had initiated Wednesday’s phone conversation with Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, Pashinyan said that it was held at the initiative of the Armenian side, and an agreement was reached to discuss the range of issues in more detail in the future.

Speaking about the deepening of Armenia's relations with the EU, Pashinyan noted that the EU has been "the number one partner in the field of democratic reforms for a very long time, and it was so also before the 2018 revolution." In his words, it is another matter as to with what sincerity and efficiency this was happening.

At the same time, Pashinyan acknowledged that the agenda of democratic reforms in Armenia needs to be restarted, since in the past it has always been accompanied by problems in the form of Covid, war, and the post-war situation.

Now it is necessary to focus on that agenda, and the new level and scope of relations create a historic opportunity for Armenia to fully comply with European standards. According to Pashinyan, this is the first strategic task, then a deeper agenda for membership will follow, which is already a political matter.

Pashinyan stressed that if Armenia succeeds in becoming an EU member, it will be a great achievement. But if not, for example, if the EU decides not to expand, Armenia will still have benefited by meeting EU standards.

Speaking about new opportunities related to the unblocking and development of regional infrastructure, Pashinyan repeated the concept he had voiced earlier that Armenia is turning from a dead end into a crossroads.

“This is a historic event,” the Armenian premier said, thanking the EU for its support.

He noted that Armenia-EU relations have developed “unimaginably” in recent years, and there are no signs of slowing down.