STRASBOURG. – Armenians consider themselves to be Europeans, regardless of whether Europeans consider them to be such, President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan said while answering the questions of PACE delegates. 

“I should note that in the course of the past 10 years Armenia has registered serious achievements on the bilateral track with the European nations as well as in a multilateral setting. As I mentioned, in both 2016 and 2017 the Committee of Ministers and the Parliamentary Assembly co-rapporteurs, in their report, recognised the progress made by Armenia. I do not want to speak for too long, so I will illustrate it with just one example. In 2008, when I was elected as President of the Republic of Armenia, we were facing serious challenges and relations were tense with the Council of Europe. Even the threat of sanctions was heard, and now, 10 years later, we are talking about the achievements of Armenia,” he said.

Speaking about Armenia-EU relations, President recalled that just two months ago, on 24 November, Armenia and the European Union concluded a new comprehensive agreement, which is opening up large horizons for Armenia. 

“Our co-operation with European nations and structures stems from our conviction and nobody is imposing it on us,” he added.