Mirzoyan Urges EU Countries to Accelerate Support for Armenia Amid Russian Restrictions

BRUSSELS — Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan has urged European Union countries to accelerate steps to support Armenia in light of Russia’s recent restrictions, sources in Brussels told Azatutyun.

“It was a positive and important meeting aimed at countering Russia’s hybrid and trade attacks,” one European diplomat who attended the meetings told Azatutyun.

Earlier, Azatutyun learned that the European Union intends to offer Armenia preferential trade conditions through Autonomous Trade Measures, or ATMs. Under the proposed arrangement, certain Armenian goods could enter the European market without customs duties or quotas.

According to Azatutyun’s sources, during Mirzoyan’s visit, the European Commission reaffirmed this commitment. The list of goods is expected to become clear in the coming weeks.

“Mirzoyan’s visit confirmed the deepening relations between the EU and Armenia,” another European diplomat said, adding: “Foreign Minister Mirzoyan also emphasized Armenia’s desire to diversify its energy sector and stressed the need for the EU to take steps in that direction.”

According to Azatutyun’s sources, Mirzoyan also expressed hope during the meeting that the border with Turkey would open in the near future.

Regarding the peace process with Azerbaijan, Mirzoyan reportedly pointed to the uncertainty that emerged after the June 7 elections, in which Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s Civil Contract party failed to secure a constitutional majority.