3 minute read
The European Union plans to support the construction of three border crossing points in Armenia, with demining expected to be the first prerequisite for implementing the projects, EU Ambassador to Armenia Vassilis Maragos said.
Speaking to reporters in Yerevan during the presentation of a remote-controlled demining machine donated by the EU, Maragos said the equipment would contribute both to humanitarian demining and future infrastructure projects.
Asked whether the machine would serve only the safety of border communities or also infrastructure development, the ambassador said it would play an important role in both.
"Connectivity projects require clearing the areas through which they will pass. As you know, we have already committed to supporting the construction of three border crossing points and are now working on the details of the project. Demining will be the first necessary step to allow these important construction works to move forward," Maragos said.
He did not specify where the planned border crossing points would be located.
Maragos added that the European Union continues to deepen its partnership with Armenia through investments in both security and infrastructure.
"We are working to deepen relations between the European Union and Armenia, and this is bringing very tangible benefits to the Armenian people. The European Union has invested in the security of conflict-affected communities through various programmes, as well as through the activities of the European Union Mission in Armenia (EUMA). We are now also investing in saving lives through our cooperation with Armenia's Center for Humanitarian Demining and Expertise," he said.
According to Maragos, the demining machine, manufactured in Croatia, represents a tangible expression of solidarity by European taxpayers with Armenia.
The announcement comes as the European Commission advances its Connectivity Agenda, which envisages mobilizing up to €2 billion for investments in transport infrastructure, border crossing points and trade facilitation across the Black Sea region and the South Caucasus as part of the EU's Global Gateway strategy.