Armenia's cooperation with EU does not hinder peace process with Azerbaijan – Foreign Ministry
YEREVAN, December 10. /ARKA/. The Armenian Foreign Ministry has rejected Azerbaijan's assertions that the strategic partnership agenda between Armenia and the EU is at odds with the peace process.
"We want to highlight that the strategic agenda of the Armenia-EU partnership embodies the essence of the established and growing bilateral cooperation between Armenia and the European Union, founded on shared values and mutual interests. It not only reflects the European aspirations of the Armenian populace but also signifies the EU's dedication to upholding sovereignty, territorial integrity, democracy, and socioeconomic sustainability. Clearly, all of this inherently aids in the efforts to further solidify peace in the region," stated Ani Badalyan, spokesperson for the Armenian Foreign Ministry, in response to the statement from the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry.
As reported by Armenpress, Badalyan further mentioned that the Armenia-EU strategic partnership agenda, the bilateral negotiations of which were essentially wrapped up in June, "also encompasses our collective vision for the future, which signifies a joint commitment to enhancing stability, prosperity, and peace in the region."
"It is important to note that in the joint statement following the Armenia-EU Partnership Council meeting on the same day, in addition to the previously expressed support, the EU acknowledged the historic milestones achieved between Armenia and Azerbaijan at the Washington Peace Summit in August of this year, including the preliminary signing of the Agreement on the Establishment of Peace and Interstate Relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan. The EU reiterated its robust support for the ongoing strengthening and institutionalization of peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan," Badalyan remarked.
Armenia's steps toward EU accession
On March 26, 2025, the National Assembly of Armenia approved a draft law on the country's accession to the European Union. The law was signed by the President of Armenia on April 4.
Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan stated that Armenia does not plan to sever economic ties with the Eurasian Economic Union and Russia, but is pursuing economic diversification and aims to increase trade with the European Union.
The head of government also noted that the beginning of the EU accession process offsets certain foreign policy risks. According to him, Armenia can only become an EU member if the people approve this initiative in a referendum, and the main challenge facing Armenia in the EU accession process is compliance with EU standards.-0-
