PM affirms commitment to normalization of relations with Azerbaijan based on mutual recognition of territorial integrity

YEREVAN, APRIL 5, ARMENPRESS. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan began his speech at a press conference ahead of the tripartite meeting with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in Brussels by thanking his colleagues for their collective commitment to a sovereign, resilient, and prosperous Armenia.

According to Armenpress Brussels correspondent, the Prime Minister emphasized the significance of the tripartite meeting, referring to it as an expanding partnership with the United States and the EU.

"Not being satisfied with the progress achieved, we will discuss Armenia's efforts to strengthen the resilience of democratic institutions. We are convinced that our cooperation is based on respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. The Republic of Armenia reaffirms its commitment to promoting justice and public sector reforms to build a stronger, safer, and more progressive country," said Nikol Pashinyan.

In his speech, the Prime Minister mentioned that, based on effective political cooperation, it is the right time to promote economic cooperation, enhance trade, and expand partnerships in the field of mobility. "We are determined to enhance the competitiveness of Armenia's private sector to enter new markets. Moreover, we are ready to improve our investment environment and make it more attractive for European and American companies. We expect that our partners will support us in modernizing Armenia's quality infrastructure, establishing business networks, and exploring potential trade facilitation schemes," said Prime Minister Pashinyan.

Addressing the needs of more than 100,000 Armenians forcibly displaced from Nagorno-Karabakh, the Prime Minister emphasized the restoration of their dignified lives through housing and economic activation policies.

Speaking about the settlement of relations with Azerbaijan, Nikol Pashinyan once again reaffirmed Armenia's commitment to the process based on mutual recognition of each other's sovereignty and territorial integrity, in accordance with the 1991 Alma-Ata Declaration. He added that Armenia is also fully committed to border demarcation and the unblocking of all regional communications, as outlined in the Alma-Ata Declaration, which is founded on full respect for the principles of sovereignty, jurisdiction, equality, and reciprocity.

At the end of his speech, Prime Minister Pashinyan noted that to achieve all this, the government has presented the "Crossroads of Peace" initiative and expressed hope that partners will support the integration of this initiative with the EU's "Global Gateway" strategy.

LILIT GASPARYAN