My speech in Euronest Bureau meeting, in Kiev. Dear Colleagues, I will be very short, just to update you concerning recent developments in Armenia ahead of the Eastern Partnership Vilnius Summit. Armenias cooperation with the EU is important for us in terms of economic reforms, good governance, democracy and human rights, rule of law and other areas of public life. The government of Armenia has undertaken wide-ranging reforms aimed at strengthening of democratic institutions and the rule of law, protecting of human rights and fundamental freedoms, improving electoral processes and relevant legislation, promoting the independence of the judiciary, as well as directed to the expanding of the role of the civil society. Dear Colleagues, by declaring its intention to join Customs Union the Republic of Armenia has not changed the vector of its foreign policy. Russia has always been and remains a strategic and allied partner for Armenia. Besides, CIS countries markets have vital importance for Armenia. Consequently, we must continue to strengthen our position in these markets familiar for us. The decision to join the Customs Union does not mean suspension or weakening of political dialogue with the European Union. The European Union has been and remains one of the important partners of the Republic of Armenia. European association both on bilateral and multilateral levels in the framework of the Eastern Partnership is one of the priorities in our foreign policy agenda. Armenia continues to be committed to the European values and principles. Rapprochement with Europe means for us continuation of the process of deep reforms in our political and administrative systems directed at the stable development of the country, and we are determined to deepen and reinforce the process of our institutional reforms together with our European partners. Dear Colleagues, this policy will not be terminated. In the course of the reform processes, Armenia attaches big importance to the contacts between people. This part of the eastern Partnership has special significance, as it aims directly at the citizens of the countries participating in the EaP and has the potential to fundamentally influence their lives by enabling them to directly interact with citizens of partner-countries. This will also solidify the acceptance of the reform and liberalization processes that are encouraged by the Eastern Partnership. As of January 2013, Armenia lifted visa requirements for the citizens of EU-member countries and non-member but Schengen Acquis countries. They can arrive to Armenia without any visa requirements. In this context, we are also happy to recall that the EU-Armenia agreements on visa regime facilitation and readmission has been already approved and ratified by the European Parliament. Now, the agreements are discussed by the National Assembly of Armenia, and, according to our Rules of Procedure, they will be voted on November 11. Ahead of the Vilnius Summit Armenia is negotiating with the European Union on the agenda of the future cooperation in the framework of the Eastern Partnership and further association. Armenian authorities constantly declare that the Association Agreement is still in the agenda of our foreign policy, and we are ready to find mutually acceptable models for further cooperation on bilateral and multilateral directions. Thank you.
Posted on: Sat, 02 Nov 2013 11:56:17 +0000
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