After their meeting in Brussels, Nikol Pashinyan and Donald Tusk made statements for mass media representatives.

RA Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan: “Dear President Tusk,
Dear mass media representatives,

This is our second meeting with President Tusk in Brussels, and the first one after my reappointment as the Prime Minister of Armenia. I would like to thank you, Mr. President for the warm welcome and result-oriented discussions.

During our today’s discussions we touched upon many different issues, ranging from democratic transformations in Armenia to current regional and international developments.

We were glad to highlight the existing high level of the political dialogue and cooperation between Armenia and the European Union. I stressed that after the Velvet Revolution Armenia’s determination and political will to enhance the partnership with the European Union has only increased.

This year has already started with high level political visits and I am sure that in coming period it will continue with many important developments and events that will further foster our political dialogue and partnership.

In the course of our discussions we referred to the early parliamentary elections in Armenia, which were assessed by the international community as being fully in line with the best European practices.

There was an unprecedented public trust towards these elections in Armenia. In this context we also appreciate the assistance of the European Union for the successful organization of electoral processes.

Those dynamic political changes that took place in our country, as well as the democratic elections that we had brought Armenia and the European Union even closer in terms of our commitment to shared values. I am proud to declare that democracy is no longer endangered in Armenia.

I highly appreciate the European Union’s political, technical and financial support to our Government’s democratic and economic reforms agenda, which among others includes the fight against corruption, promotion of democracy and consolidation of the rule of law.

New Armenia is ready to make steadfast efforts towards enriching its cooperation with the European Union and its Member States with new ideas and initiatives. I am glad that our European friends and partners have a similar approach and vision on our bilateral agenda.

We are aiming to accomplish this ambitious agenda, based on the strong mandate of our citizens and compatriots as well as with the increasing support of our international partners.

During our discussion we touched upon the Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement, which is an important instrument for enhancing our bilateral relations and implementing our reform agenda.
We agreed that the early ratification by all Member States is essential and will allow us to fully benefit from the opportunities envisaged by this document, which is being provisionally applied since June 2018. In this context we discussed the ways of further accelerating the ratification process.

We next discussed the launch of the visa liberalization dialogue. The citizens of Armenia are looking forward to the opportunity of freely traveling to the European Union in the near future. We do hope that the political decision in this matter will be taken shortly, since this will yield tangible results for our citizens and give our partnership even more visibility.

During our meeting with President Tusk we also touched upon the upcoming 10th Anniversary of the Eastern Partnership. I reiterated our willingness to actively engage in the joint preparations for the 10th anniversary of the Eastern Partnership.

We also discussed regional issues. We appreciate the EU’s continuous balanced position on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, which supports the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs, their position and efforts for the peaceful resolution. This is a valuable contribution to the peace and security in our region.

I reiterated that Armenia is fully committed to the exclusively peaceful resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

In conclusion I want to express confidence that our existing dialogue and the fruitful discussions that we had today will contribute to the further enhancement of our partnership and the implementation of an already ambitious agenda of bilateral relations in all the fields of common interest.

I would like to once again thank you, Mr. President, for your warm welcome.”

President of European Council Donald Tusk: “Good afternoon, Mr. Prime Minister! I am glad to welcome you again to Brussels. First of all I would like to thank you for visiting Brussels shortly after your impressive victory in the December elections and your government’s inauguration.

The values advocated by your government are highly appreciated in Europe. I admire your determination to carry out democratic reforms and promote economic development from which all Armenians will benefit. The EU will continue to support Armenia in becoming a more consolidated democracy and creating a better future for its citizens.

We are determined to honor our commitment to implementing the Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement, which will benefit both Armenia and the European Union.

The prevailing part of the agreement has already been applied and has had a tangible impact. The EU is Armenia’s largest exporting partner, with a share of over 28% of Armenia’s exports.

This agreement is being implemented in parallel with the internal improvements. The EU is ready to back your reforms with extensive technical and financial support. We are concurrent with your strong emphasis on the fight against corruption and the rule-of-law targeted reforms.

Today, we discussed the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement. As you know, the EU fully supports the Minsk Group Co-Chairs and their proposals. Inspired by the recent contacts between the leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan, I welcome the easing of tensions in the region.

The EU continues to believe that the status quo is unstable: the conflict cannot have a military solution and needs a quick political settlement in accordance with international law. Preparing the respective populations for peace is an important step toward the settlement, and we are ready to provide every possible support.

I also wish to thank the Prime Minister for Armenia’s valuable contribution to the Eastern Partnership. The Partnership marks its 10th anniversary in May. We agreed to meet again to discuss the progress that has been made over the past 10 years. So, I look forward to seeing you again in Brussels in two months during the May jubilee celebrations.”