Von der Leyen: EU to strengthen trade ties with Armenia PHOTO

The European Union will deepen trade and economic cooperation with Armenia, allowing it greater market access and financial support, Ursula von der Leyen, European Commission President, has stated.

Speaking at a joint briefing with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan in Yerevan, von der Leyen said she was very pleased to be back in Yerevan so soon and congratulated Pashinyan on his election victory, Caliber.Az reports, citing Armenian media.

“These elections once again demonstrated the strength of Armenia's democracy. The spirit of the Velvet Revolution is alive and well," von der Leyen noted.

She reaffirmed the EU's support for Armenia's closer integration with the bloc.

"I am here to say that you can count on us. As Armenia moves closer to the European Union, the South Caucasus will inevitably move closer as well," she added.

Von der Leyen also said Armenia continues to face significant economic pressure from Russia.

"I know Armenia continues to experience significant economic pressure from Russia, bordering on economic coercion. But when pressure on our partners increases, the European Union steps up and takes action," she stressed.

In her view, if Russia closes its market to Armenian products, the European Union will open its doors to them through the EU's market of 450 million consumers.

She further stated that the EU wants to support the Armenia-Azerbaijan peace process and invest in transport infrastructure linking Europe with the South Caucasus and Central Asia.

According to her, the EU has already provided €200 million, and that amount can be increased to €2 billion.

Von der Leyen added that the EU could redirect products currently destined for the Russian market to the EU single market, giving Armenian exporters access to 450 million consumers.

The EU chief executive said the proposed measures would open the European market to nearly 99% of Armenia's fresh agricultural products and around 90% of its beverage and spirits exports.

She also announced an additional €18 million to strengthen Armenia's trade sector, completing a previously announced €52 million support package.

"In addition, we are proposing autonomous trade measures that will liberalise around 80% of exports to the European Union. As a result, 80% of your trade with us will become duty-free," von der Leyen added.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov