Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan started his visit to Brussels on July 11.
We have put together the key moments of Pashinyan’s meetings and speeches in Belgium, based on the reports of the Armenian Government’s press office.
Photo: Press service of the Armenian government
No U-turns in foreign policy
Pashinyan underlined that the revolution in Armenia happened without geopolitical context and the new government planned no key changes or U-turns in foreign policy.
“Armenia is ready to bridge the interests and standpoints of EAEU and EU to the extent that is acceptable for the parties,” stressed the Prime Minister.
“Signing of the Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement opened a new stage in our relations with the European Union. Productive implementation of the agreement will facilitate strengthening of democracy and human rights protection in Armenia, create a more favorable environment for investment, and increase stability and predictability of business making,” said Pashinyan.
Photo: Press service of the Armenian government
On corruption and snap elections
“People who used to have a privileged position are now feeling the power of the law. Every corruption case will be investigated in strict adherence with the law. Another important task we have is to organize truly free and fair elections. Armenian citizens know now that their votes have a meaning. There will be no more possibilities to commit electoral fraud and undermine the voters’ trust in elections. We have launched the process of amendments to the Electoral Code, which includes different political forces of the country. We will ensure independence of the judiciary and uncompromisingly eradicate the vicious habit of corruption in the sector.”
Statement on Nagorno-Karabakh conflict
“There is no alternative to self-determination of the people of Artsakh. As any democratic country, Armenia is committed to settle the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict in exclusively peaceful way. Any attempt at resolution with force is an attack of democracy, human rights and peace.”
Meeting with Macron: Karabakh, La Francophonie
Nikol Pashinyan discussed the NKR conflict settlement with French President Emmanuel Macron as well.
Armenia’s Prime Minister emphasized that Armenia remained committed to the peace talks mediated by the OSCE Minsk Group and reaffirmed that any attempt at military resolution of the issue should be perceived as encroachment on democracy and human rights.
Photo: Press service of the Armenian government
Pashinyan and Macron also touched on the Summit of La Francophonie which Armenia is hosting in October.
“We are honored to host the summit and committed to organizing it at the highest level. We are grateful to France for the assistance with preparations for the summit,” said Pashinyan.
Emmanuel Macron stressed that France was ready to keep working toward expansion of close cooperation with the friendly state of Armenia in various sectors, including trade. Macron added he was certain that the upcoming La Francophonie summit would be held at a high level in Armenia.
Meeting with Mogherini: CEPA and reforms
Nikol Pashinyan also had a meeting with High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini in Brussels. The Armenian Prime Minister highlighted that the EU was a reliable partner for Armenia since the first independent years.
Photo: Press service of the Armenian government
Touching on the political changes in Armenia, Pashinyan noted that democracy was not an alignment for Armenia in foreign policy, but a system of values that the government was committed to develop and strengthen.
“You can rely on us on the road of drastic reforms aimed at establishing the rule of law, fighting corruption, protecting human rights, and other democratic processes. I am certain our cooperation has a bright future ahead. We are ready to support the ongoing reforms in Armenia,” said Mogherini.
On July 11, Prime Minister Pashinyan also participated in the official portrait and opening ceremony for NATO allied and partner heads of state and government and attended the dinner in honor of heads of delegations of NATO partner states.
Pashinyan, Macron discuss development of Armenian-French relations
YEREVAN, July 12. /ARKA/. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan met yesterday with French President Emmanuel Macron in NATO Headquarters in Brussels, the prime minister’s press office reports.
Pashinyan congratulated Macron on France’s advancement to the World Cup finals.
He said that Armenia highly appreciate its privileged relations with France, which are based on the traditional friendship between the two nations and respect for each other.
“We are honored to hold the 17th Summit of the International Organization of La Francophonie. We are committed to holding it at the highest level. We are grateful to France for the assistance provided during the preparations,” the premier said, adding that during the Summit great attention will be paid to the economic component – a business forum for entrepreneurs and employers from French-speaking countries is planned to be held as part of the event, and a network of business people from Francophone countries will be established as a result.
Nikol Pashinyan said equal conditions for businesses have been created in Armenia. He expressed confidence that the new conditions will give a new impetus to Armenian-French economic relations.
He also expressed conviction that Emmanuel Macron’s state visit to Armenia and his participation in the summit will make this important event even more representative both for Armenia and for the whole French-speaking fold.
Emmanuel Macron congratulated Nikol Pashinyan on his election as prime minister of Armenia and stressed the importance of a peaceful and democratic resolution of events in our country.
The Armenian prime minister and the French president also stressed the importance of peaceful settlement of Karabakh conflict.
Pashinyan expressed appreciation of OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs’ efforts to settle the matter by peaceful means.
He said that Armenia remains steadfast in its determination to continue the talks brokered by the Minsk Group co-chairs.
