The Eastern Partnership Foreign Affairs Ministerial video-conference was held on June 11 with the participation of Foreign Ministers of the Eastern Partnership countries, as well as foreign ministers of the EU member states. The opening remarks were delivered by EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell and EU Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Olivér Várhelyi. In his speech, Foreign Minister Zohrab Mnatsakanyan also welcomed the holding of the video conference, noting that it is a good opportunity to exchange views and opinions ahead of next week's video conference of EaP leaders.

“The eastern flank of Europe, which is the Eastern Partnership, has been founded upon shared values, which are the strength of the EaP and must therefore prevail over geopolitical considerations and remain a unifying force and a cornerstone for developing its post-2020 agenda. Democracy, rule of law, human rights, independent judiciary, freedom of the media, freedom of assembly are amongst the critical building blocks of the common space of European values. Armenia’s Velvet Revolution in 2018 and the consistency of our Government in commitment to the values of the Revolution, are a manifestation of our adherence to the common space of European values, hoping that this space is not eroding”.- the Foreign Minister noted.

On behalf of the people and Government of Armenia, the Foreign Minister expressed gratitude to European Union for providing a support package to EaP countries. In this context, the Minister of Foreign Affairs noted: ”This pandemic once again demonstrated the importance of international cooperation and multilateralism for effectively solving supranational threats. Joined efforts are much needed to tackle this crisis.” 

Touching upon the issues of regional stability and peace, Minister Mnatsakanyan drew the attention of his counterparts to the large-scale military exercises and outright war threats to Armenia in time of the pandemic, emphasizing that these actions are provocative and do not contribute to reducing tension.