Metsola lauds Armenia as friend of Europe

President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, lauded Armenia as a friend on Wednesday.

Speaking at a joint press conference with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan in Strasbourg, Metsola said the European Parliament and the Armenian National Assembly will continue to play a leading role in bringing Armenia closer to the European Union.

“When Europe looks at Armenia, it sees a friend. I hope that when Armenia looks at Europe, it sees an ally and a partner,” Metsola said.

She emphasized that under the leadership of Nikol Pashinyan, there have been significant achievements in Armenia–EU relations since the last European Political Community summit. The EU and Armenia have agreed on a new strategic agenda. According to Metsola, this step will support democratic reforms in Armenia, strengthen the country’s economic resilience, uphold the rule of law, and deepen bilateral cooperation in the field of security. The European Parliament also welcomed the fact that Armenia has been presented with an action plan for visa liberalization.

“All of this contributes to Europe’s overall goal of strengthening our cooperation across different sectors. I am confident that our parliaments will continue to play a leading role in bringing Armenia closer to our Union,” the European Parliament president said.

She added that they are looking forward to continuing discussions next week during the session of the EU–Armenia Parliamentary Partnership Committee.

Metsola also said she is eagerly anticipating the European Political Community summit, which will take place in early May in Yerevan. She noted that she will be in Yerevan during that time to attend the summit.