2023 On January 26, the first high-level session of the RA-EU political and security dialogue was held in Yerevan, co-chaired by RA Deputy Foreign Minister Vahe Gevorgyan and Deputy Secretary General of the EU’s European Service for External Actions Enrique Mora.
The one-day meeting reflects the interest of both sides to promote political dialogue and cooperation in the foreign and security policy field as the next important step in RA-EU relations.
The parties addressed the critical security issues for Armenia, the European Union, and the wider region, particularly the challenges facing European security, as well as issues related to the normalization of relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan, including the growing humanitarian concerns associated with the blocking of free movement through the Lachin Corridor.
The Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Armenia, Vahe Gevorgyan, noted, “Armenia is happy to host the first session of the RA-EU political and security dialogue, an important format for discussing a wide range of international and regional security issues. Armenia expects strong cooperation with the EU mission in Armenia in monitoring the international borders of Armenia. Armenia values all mediation and promotion activities to establish peace and security, which is essential for the territorial integrity of Armenia, the rights and security of the Armenian population in Nagorno-Karabakh.”
Enrique Mora, Deputy Secretary General of the European External Action Service of the EU, noted, “The EU is making significant efforts at the highest level to contribute to the comprehensive settlement of relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan. A few days ago, we established an EU civilian mission in Armenia to strengthen stability, human security, and confidence building on the ground. The first session of the RA-EU dialogue on political and security issues launched today expresses our mutual interest in expanding cooperation in foreign and security policy issues and our willingness to work together for the benefit of peace, security, and stability, especially in the current international context full of challenges, which Ukraine characterizes with Russia’s war”.
During the meeting, Armenia and the European Union confirmed their commitment to work for a safe, stable, peaceful, and prosperous South Caucasus to benefit all people in the region. In this context, the parties discussed the upcoming deployment of the civilian mission approved by the EU Foreign Relations Council earlier this week. Through its activities and reports to be submitted to the EU leadership, the EU mission in Armenia will also contribute to the efforts led by the President of the European Council, Charles Michel.
During the comprehensive exchange of views, the dialogue participants also discussed the situation in the wider region, including the normalization of relations between Armenia and Turkey and issues related to hybrid threats and other security issues.
RA-EU dialogue sessions on political and security issues are planned to be held regularly, on an annual basis.
