Armenian, German Presidents discuss advancing renewable energy cooperation

The Presidents of Armenia and Germany discussed key agenda issues related to strengthening and expanding bilateral economic cooperation, including in the energy sector, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier said at a joint press conference with Armenian President Vahagn Khachaturyan while responding to Armenpress question about the current state of Armenian-German economic cooperation and its development prospects.

Steinmeier highlighted the progress in renewable energy cooperation between the two countries.

“We see that these changes began in Armenia long ago. Looking ahead, not only wind energy is important, but also hydrogen energy,” he emphasized.

The German President underscored the importance of not just generating renewable energy but also ensuring its transport and communication infrastructure.

"If Armenia can establish such infrastructure, we welcome it," he said.

Armenian President Vahagn Khachaturyan noted that bilateral economic relations were a key topic during discussions between the Armenian and German delegations, given that Germany has the highest trade turnover with Armenia among EU member states.

"Energy issues were also discussed, particularly the prospects for green energy development. We held detailed discussions on this matter, especially considering the existing plan with the German financial organization KfW to complete work on the new pipeline to Georgia," Khachaturyan stated.

He added that the talks also addressed the possibility of exporting electricity from the South Caucasus to the European Union.

 "The Black Sea Energy Submarine Cable project was on our agenda. I believe that with German assistance and support from EU partners, Armenia will become part of this initiative. Currently, green energy accounts for approximately 40 percent of Armenia’s energy balance, and this figure will continue to rise. We will also have surplus electricity, which we need to export," he explained.

Khachaturyan further noted that cooperation in high technology was among the key issues discussed with his German counterpart. He pointed out that, as the EU reassesses its approach to economic development, Armenia could leverage new opportunities and its own potential in cooperation with Germany.