European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, speaking at the inaugural Armenia-EU Summit in Yerevan, said that Armenia could become a hub for new trade routes in the region.

Aside from von der Leyen, the EU side was represented at the meeting by European Council President António Costa and top diplomat Kaja Kallas, among others.

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan chaired the meeting on the Armenian side, which also included Cabinet ministers.

The President of the European Commission emphasized that the shortest route from Europe to Central Asia and the Caspian Sea passes through Armenia, but noted that this route had been closed due to war.

“Now you are changing this, thanks to a courageous choice in favor of peace and greater integration into European networks. As a result, Armenia can become a regional hub for new trade routes,” von der Leyen stated.

She also added that the European Union is ready to deepen cooperation with Armenia in the energy sector as well as in digitalization.

Von der Leyen noted that there has always been a special bond between Armenia and Europe. “But we are united not only by our shared history and culture, not only by our ancient ties, but also by the opportunities that lie ahead of us,” said European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

She stressed that Armenia and the European Union are now closer than ever, highlighting that positive progress is being made in the EU visa liberalization process for Armenian citizens.

Von der Leyen recalled that, under the EU’s “Global Gateway” strategy, €2.5 billion in investments for Armenia has already been planned.

“From Ukraine to Iran, the entire region is being shaken by wars, while here in the South Caucasus there is a different story, a different situation. In an era of new conflicts, you are healing old wounds, and we want to support you by showing that peace leads to prosperity,” said Ursula von der Leyen. She pointed to the example of the European Union’s formation, noting that countries that were once enemies were able to build friendship and bring peace to the region through the establishment of trade relations.