Visa liberalisation remains one of the Armenian government’s priorities, and every effort is being made under the coordination of the Interior Ministry to ensure that all measures envisaged in this direction are implemented on time and to the required standard.

Armenian Interior Minister Arpine Sargsyan made the remarks at the launch event of the programme “Support to the Dialogue on Visa Liberalisation in Armenia in the Areas of Border Management, Document Security and Law Enforcement Reforms”.

“I am pleased to state that today we are launching a programme that is the first of its kind in the Republic of Armenia, with visa liberalisation as its primary focus,” the minister said, thanking European Union partners for providing financial support for the initiative and helping bring it to life.

Sargsyan also thanked partners from Lithuania, noting that a close partnership had been established and that the programme’s implementation would continue through joint practical cooperation.

“From the ministry’s perspective, cooperation with EU member states is particularly important. It is essential that we continue not only our dialogue with the EU, but also develop close and constructive partnerships with member states, because ultimately they are also involved in making decisions regarding visa liberalisation.

 I am pleased that the Republic of Lithuania is now entering a second phase of cooperation with Armenia’s Interior Ministry, and I am especially pleased that the programme’s main focus today is visa liberalisation,” she said.

The minister expressed confidence that the launch of the programme provides further evidence that Armenia and the European Union remain committed to deepening their relations.

Sargsyan noted that the programme has a total budget of 2.5 million euros, representing another EU contribution to the implementation of sectoral reforms in Armenia. 

EU Ambassador to Armenia Vassilis Maragos began his remarks by expressing appreciation for the work carried out by the staff of the Interior Ministry under Sargsyan’s leadership. According to Maragos, Lithuania and Latvia will provide Armenia with support in implementing specific reforms.

“In my view, the purpose of this programme is clear: it is important that the European Union not only discusses with Armenia what needs to be done, but also provides assistance, resources and exchanges of experience so that this action plan can be implemented more smoothly,” he said, stressing the importance of the quality of the measures being carried out and compliance with the relevant benchmarks.

The EU ambassador noted that Armenia has already undertaken substantial work in the areas of integrated border management and the introduction of a biometric system. However, he said, additional exchanges of expertise with the European Union, particularly Lithuania, which has successfully completed a similar process, remain highly important.

Lithuanian Deputy Interior Minister Gintaras Aliksandravičius said it was a great honour to attend the launch of a programme aimed at supporting Armenia’s reform process related to visa liberalisation with the European Union. 

“We are committed to sharing our experience and providing practical support to ensure that this programme delivers meaningful and lasting results,” he said.

 He expressed confidence that the programme’s launch would provide an important foundation for a long-term process, and that coordination and determination would help achieve the shared objectives that have been set.