Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan hosted a delegation led by Angela Merkel, Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany, who has arrived in Armenia on official visit. Welcoming the Chancellor’s visit to Armenia, Nikol Pashinyan stressed that she is held in great respect and sympathy in our country, while the Armenian-German relations are of special importance.

“You are welcome to Armenian capital Yerevan. This is the first-ever visit paid by a German Chancellor to Armenia, and in that respect, a historical event is taking place. Its value is enhanced by the fact that your visit follows major political changes in Armenia, and I look forward to holding effective talks with you in this new situation, under new political conditions.

We hope that this visit will usher in a new chapter in the two countries’ bilateral relations. I am convinced that you have already felt our people’s warm attitude toward Germany and yourself.

Germany is Armenia’s third largest trade and economic partner on the global scale and the first one in Europe. I am hopeful that your visit will help rebuild and reinvigorate our trade and economic relations. Allow me to greet you once again and say that you are welcome,” Nikol Pashinyan said.

Thankful for the warn reception, the German Chancellor stated in part, “My visit comes in the wake of a major change in Armenia. While unexpected for us, it may be propitious for your country.

We would like to hear your comments on what happened and, at the same time, today we could feel a sense of those changes in the air. We are keen to deepen relations with Armenia. Today, we are in a city that is 2800 years old and in a country the people of which have left many traces in mankind’s history.

Earlier today, I called at TUMO Center where I saw teens develop innovations while holding fast to the roots of Armenian culture. I just realized what knowledgeable society exists in Armenia. We know that this is a complicated region and we are ready to help you as a partner in dealing with your problems. We are ready to boost and develop bilateral economic ties. We are hopeful that we will be able to record new achievements in that direction.”

The parties discussed a wide range of issues related to Armenian-German relations. They specifically touched upon the programs underway in different sectors of the economy, as well as on the prospects for new joint initiatives.

With reference to EU-Armenia cooperation, Prime Minister Pashinyan attached importance to the ratification of the Comprehensive and Extended Partnership Agreement and reaffirmed Armenia’s commitment to implementing comprehensive reforms in the country. The Premier said that Armenia looked forth to getting larger targeted assistance from the European Union, based on the “more for more” principle.

Angela Merkel noted that her country was prepared to assist Armenia with the implementation of multifaceted reforms, as well as in promoting the EU-Armenia cooperation.

The sides next discussed issues related to visa liberalization, enhanced contacts between people, cooperation in healthcare, nature protection, road construction, and information technologies.

The Prime Minister of Armenia stressed that Armenia is ready to become a platform for those German companies desirous of entering the EAEU and Iranian markets.

Nikol Pashinyan and Angela Merkel expressed satisfaction with the Armenian-German cooperation in the spheres of science, education and culture.

Coming to the Karabakh conflict, The Prime Minister and the German Chancellor highlighted the need for finding a negotiated peaceful settlement for the conflict in the OSCE Minsk Group format.

Nikol Pashinyan highly valued Germany’s balanced position on the Karabakh issue and the support provided to OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs.

Touching upon the international recognition and condemnation of the Armenian Genocide, Prime Minister Pashinyan hailed Bundestag’s passing of a resolution on the Armenian Genocide in 2016.