Armenia’s democratic values must be protected, says EU top diplomat

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan received Kaja Kallas, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice President of the European Commission.

During the meeting, the sides discussed Armenia–European Union relations, the strengthening of democratic institutions, the rule of law, and opportunities for deeper cooperation in the area of governance reforms, the PM's office has said.

Prime Minister Pashinyan thanked the EU for its continued support and reaffirmed the Armenian government's commitment to strengthening democracy and promoting peace.

According to the official statement, Kallas noted that Armenia and the EU have never been as close as they are today and expressed the EU’s readiness to deepen the partnership across all areas. She highlighted the Armenia-EU-US trilateral statement signed in Brussels on April 5, 2024, as a milestone in strengthening strategic cooperation with Armenia’s European and Western partners. It, she said, laid the foundation for a new level of political dialogue.

Kallas praised the Armenian government’s commitment to democratic reforms, emphasizing their importance both domestically and in fostering foreign partnerships. She stressed the need to protect democratic values, especially amid hybrid threats, disinformation, and attempts to interfere in Armenia's internal affairs.

The meeting also addressed the ongoing visa liberalization process.

Regional developments and the peace process were also on the agenda. Kallas noted the EU’s satisfaction with the progress in Armenia-Azerbaijan bilateral negotiations, which she said could form the basis for long-term stability and peace in the region.