EU and Armenia agree on defense cooperation at first summit

The European Union, following the first summit with Armenia in Yerevan, supported further rapprochement and the 'European aspirations' of Armenia, and also agreed to invest around 2.5 billion euros in the Armenian economy, promising progress toward easing visa restrictions and advancing defense cooperation, according to a joint statement issued after the high-level meeting.

'The EU reaffirms its strong commitment to further strengthening relations with Armenia and supporting its sovereignty… comprehensive reform program… The EU acknowledges the European aspirations of the Armenian people… and supports Armenia's desire to deepen partnership through sectoral integration and legal rapprochement with the EU,' the document states.

Brussels and Yerevan also agreed to 'enhance cooperation in preventing and countering the circumvention of EU sanctions (against Russia - ed.).'

The European Union estimated its expected investments in the Armenian economy in the near future at around 2.5 billion euros. 'Armenia welcomes the EU's support in developing a roadmap for the decommissioning of the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant,' the joint statement following the summit notes.

The EU also confirmed its intention to strengthen cooperation with Armenia 'across the full spectrum of security and defense issues' and welcomed 'significant progress in the dialogue on visa liberalization.'

Source: RIA Novosti