RA Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and European Council President Donald Tusk made statements for media representatives following their talks in the Armenian government. Below is full transcript of their statements:

Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan:
“Honorable Mr. President,
Dear mass media representatives,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am pleased to welcome President Tusk to Armenia. Within a relatively short period of time, I had several occasions to meet with Mr. Tusk. Our contacts were very impressive, held in an atmosphere of friendship and constructive dialogue.

Today we also had a very productive discussion. We touched upon a wide range of issues relevant to EU-Armenia relations. We exchanged views on the political and the so-called “sectoral” cooperation, as well as on issues relating to Armenia’s domestic life and the regional developments.

I reaffirmed the Armenian authorities’ commitment to strengthening the rule of law and democracy, as well as curbing corruption.

During the meeting, I talked about the reforms underway in Armenia, and in this context, I evoked our efforts aimed at building an independent judiciary. I stated that Armenia highly appreciates the support provided by European institutions and the EU, and expressed gratitude for their assistance, including the ideological support.

I reaffirmed the Armenian authorities’ political commitment to expanding the cooperation with the European Union and EU-member states.

The importance of the EU-Armenia Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement (CEPA) and its soonest possible ratification by European nations was emphasized on both sides. The CEPA is a tool that will promote not only the EU-Armenia relations, but also the reform agenda of the Armenian authorities.

I wish to inform you that in close cooperation with the relevant EU authorities, Armenia’s government agencies have developed a roadmap for implementing the Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement. I approved the roadmap on this June 1, exactly one year after the start of the temporary application of the Agreement. On June 13, the Agreement was also approved at the second meeting of the EU-Armenia Partnership Council.

We also touched upon the need to launch the dialogue on visa liberalization. I expressed Armenia’s interest in this matter, especially in terms of facilitating interpersonal contacts. I asked Mr. Tusk to convey this message to EU-member states’ authorities.

Reference was also made to the Eastern Partnership, which marked its 10 years in May this year.

We also talked about regional issues. I thanked the European Union for abiding by a balanced approach to the settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and for supporting the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs’ common position. I expressed confidence that the EU would be consistent in this matter.
Dear colleagues, concluding my remarks, I would like to once again thank President Tusk for fruitful cooperation.

Taking this opportunity on behalf of all of us, I wish him every success and many new achievements in his future activities.”

President of the European Council Donald Tusk:
“Thank you, Mr. Prime Minister for your warm welcome and our excellent discussion.

This is my first visit to Yerevan since Armenia’s non-violent velvet revolution. I am glad to be here now as the positive dynamics in Armenia has created new opportunities for our cooperation.

My visit is a proof of the importance the EU attaches to our relations with Armenia and the region. Our discussion today highlighted the effective implementation of the Partnership Agreement - an ambitious agreement to support Armenia’s modernization. The EU will continue providing technical and financial support for its implementation.

The Prime Minister and I also agreed on the importance of the rule of law, the fight against corruption and respect for human rights. The EU welcomes the focus on creating an independent, efficient and accountable judicial system. A solid judiciary is an essential element of a mature democracy and for economic and social development. Also here the EU will continue to support with expertise and mobilize further resources.

We also discussed the establishment of a specialized anticorruption commission. In recognition of the government’s reform efforts, the EU has almost doubled our support for Armenia in 2019. The funds will help to implement priority projects, including infrastructure and environment.

In this context, I look forward to visiting Lake Sevan later today where the UE will support water management as agreed during the recent visit of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan in Brussels. And I will have the opportunity to visit Sevanavank, a monument that testifies to Armenian millennia-old imprint on Europe’s culture.

Today, we also discussed the unresolved Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. The EU has been encouraged by the dynamics of the past year and the commitment to preparing the people for peace and the focus on humanitarian issues. But we also shared the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs’ concerns about the recent casualties on the line of contact, as well the escalatory rhetoric. All sides should show restraint and take measures to restore the atmosphere conducive to peace and real talks.

The conflict does not have a military solution and needs a political settlement in accordance with international law and principles. The EU continues to fully support the efforts of the Minsk Group Co-Chairs, and the focus on a fair and lasting settlement, based on the core principles of the Helsinki Final Act. The EU is already supporting peace-building activities and is ready to further support measures to prepare the populations for peace.

Mr. Prime Minister, let me conclude by thanking you again for the warm welcome, I am encouraged by the progress made under your leadership. I want to assure you that the EU will continue to work closely with Armenia and with you to the benefit of all Armenians. Thank you.”