Armenia committed to fully implementing EU visa liberalization action plan, minister tells COEST delegation
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Armenian Minister of Internal Affairs Arpine Sargsyan met with members of the delegation of the Council of the European Union’s Working Party on Eastern Europe and Central Asia.
The meeting was attended by Head of the EU Delegation to Armenia, Ambassador Vassilis Maragos, ambassadors of EU member states, representatives of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, and diplomatic representatives.
The Ministry of Internal Affairs said in a press release that Arpine Sargsyan thanked the delegation members for their continued efforts aimed at advancing Armenia-EU cooperation.
The minister noted that the close and constructive cooperation established with the European Union and the joint agenda provide an opportunity to ensure tangible results.
Head of the EU Delegation to Armenia Vassilis Maragos thanked Minister of Internal Affairs Arpine Sargsyan for her leadership in the visa liberalization process, as well as for the reforms being implemented in the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Police.
Arpine Sargsyan, as the Armenian side’s lead negotiator in the visa liberalization process, emphasized the importance of the successful progress of the process, considering it one of the Government’s priority areas.
The minister emphasized Armenia’s commitment and determination to fully implement the Armenia-EU Visa Liberalization Action Plan.
Speaking about the timeline for implementing the Visa Liberalization Action Plan, Arpine Sargsyan noted that the Armenian side has set 2029 as the deadline.
In her assessment, proper implementation of the Action Plan will ensure tangible results in strengthening democratic institutions and ensuring a visa-free regime.
Addressing the priorities of the Visa Liberalization Action Plan, Minister Sargsyan also considered migration management to be key. According to her, one of the most important steps in this area is the introduction of a new biometric system through a public-private partnership, which will be launched on November 1.
Speaking about integrated border management, the minister emphasized that Armenia is committed to introducing an integrated system with the aim of transitioning to a new model of ensuring security. A strategy for integrated border management is also being developed, which is planned to be submitted to the Government for approval by the end of the year.
The Minister of Internal Affairs also answered questions from the delegation members.