En accueillant le Premier ministre de la République d’Arménie, Nikol Pashinyan, au Parlement européen, la Présidente Roberta Metsola a déclaré que l’étroite coopération entre l’Arménie et l'Europe intervient à un moment critique pour tous.
Dear colleagues, It is an honour to welcome the Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan, to the European Parliament today. Prime Minister, dear Nikol, welcome back to this House. When you last addressed us, you set your country in motion to deepen relations with the European Union. Since then, we have come a long way. From our increased cooperation through our Strategic Agenda, to our support for Armenia's forces through the European Peace Facility. And we are also going further, agreeing on plans to pave the way for visa-free travel, and planning ahead to the European Political Community Summit and the EU-Armenia Summit in May. Our close cooperation comes at a critical time for everyone. In Ukraine, the brutal Russian invasion has just entered its fifth year. And in Iran, we see people calling courageously for freedom. In this moment, Europe and Armenia stand together in our efforts for peace and stability. Thank you for assisting in facilitating the evacuation of European nationals from Iran. Thank you for your commitment to peace and your leadership in finding solutions. And we are also working with your country ahead of your elections later this year.
We all know the unprecedented level of threat posed by disinformation and interference to democratic processes everywhere. Now, as Armenia prepares for elections, Europe is stepping up our support for Armenia’s democracy and security with a 15 million euro package. We fully support the swift provision of EU expert assistance to counter hybrid threats. And this House is already acting together with the National Assembly to shore up democracy, with Armenia as a priority country for democracy support. Today’s discussion is another step in the right direction. We look forward to hearing how you see the path ahead for your country and for Europe.