I confirmed to the President the EU’s strategic interest in stability, prosperity and development of democracy in our eastern neighbourhood. The Eastern Partnership is a powerful vehicle for bringing the countries involved closer to the EU and to each another.

EU-Armenia relations are strengthening rapidly. The negotiation directives for an ambitious Association Agreement have been adopted by the EU. We are looking forward to start negotiations shortly, including a Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA). This will facilitate EU investment in Armenia and allow Armenian business better access to the EU’s internal market.

We hope to move forward on visa facilitation and readmission issues as well, as soon as possible.

I emphasised our hope that our strengthening of relations with Armenia is going to be a stimulus to Armenia to deliver more on democratic reforms. Upcoming negotiations for the future Association Agreement will create additional leverage for internal reform and make available EU financial and technical support. We encourage Armenia to make full use of this opportunity to advance its reform agenda.

I confirmed to the President the EU’s continued commitment to peace and security in the Caucasus, including through contributing to the resolution of the protracted conflicts. The region will not be safe until these conflicts are resolved by peaceful means and on the basis of the principles of international law.

The EU continues to support the Armenian-Turkish normalisation process within a reasonable timeframe and without preconditions. I am pleased that Armenia decided to stay committed to pursue the process of normalization, and I recognise the President’s political courage on this issue. The EU encourages both Armenia and Turkey to stay committed to this historical process.

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