PM Pashinyan, Latvian President discuss bilateral ties, Armenia-EU cooperation

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan hosted a delegation led by Latvian President Edgars Rinkēvičs, who arrived in Armenia on an official visit.

Pashinyan welcomed the Latvian president’s visit to Armenia and thanked Latvia for supporting Armenia’s bid to host the European Political Community Summit.

“First of all, I would like to thank you and Latvia for supporting our candidacy to host the European Political Community Summit, which was truly a historic event for Armenia. The first Armenia-EU summit also took place, which was very important. We see and feel Latvia’s growing support for our democracy, reform agenda and deepening cooperation with the EU,” Pashinyan said.

Pashinyan said Armenia highly appreciates Latvia’s support and added that Rinkēvičs’ visit was another manifestation of the deepening bilateral and multilateral relations between the two countries.

The Latvian president thanked the Armenian side for the warm hospitality and recalled that he had previously visited Armenia in 2015 as Latvia’s foreign minister.

“I was surprised to learn that this is the first presidential-level visit since 2009, after 17 years. Let me say that we consider Armenia a very good friend and partner, both in terms of bilateral cooperation and within the framework of Armenia-EU partnership. We welcome your decision to embark on the European path, and you can fully rely on us,” Rinkēvičs said, conveying the greetings of Latvia’s prime minister to Pashinyan.

The sides discussed the development of trade and economic ties and the expansion of cooperation in various fields, including tourism and education.

They also touched upon the development of Armenia-EU relations, emphasizing the importance of the first Armenia-EU summit and progress toward visa liberalization.

The two leaders also exchanged views on the Armenia-Azerbaijan peace process and other regional issues.