On March 4, an event dedicated to the entry into force of the Armenia-EU Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement was held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which was attended by representatives of the executive and legislative bodies of Armenia, Heads of diplomatic missions accredited in Armenia and members of civil society.

Deputy Prime Minister of Armenia Mher Grigoryan, Head of the EU Delegation to Armenia Andrea Victorin and Foreign Minister of Armenia Ara Aivazian delivered welcoming remarks to the participants of the event.

In his remarks, Deputy Prime Minister of Armenia Mher Grigoryan noted: “The completion of the ratification process of the agreement and its entry into force is indeed an important event for deepening the Armenia-EU relations. The agreement is of great importance for Armenia, as it not only greatly stimulates the implementation of the reforms adopted by the Government of the Republic of Armenia, but represents one of the key foundations of our reform agenda. It should be noted that the effective implementation of the agreement will have a significant impact on the various spheres of our citizens’ life and business. We all realize that the approximation of European best practices will promote democracy, human rights, human capital development, cooperation in spheres of infrastructure, economy, environment, and a number of other areas.

The Head of the EU Delegation to Armenia Andrea Victorin made remarks on the occasion of the entry into force of the agreement, emphasizing: “The full ratification of the Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement (CEPA) is a big milestone achieved in the relationship between the European Union and Armenia. The European Union is willing to support Armenia in its reform process for the benefit of the development of the country and its citizens.”

Congratulating the partners on the entry into force of the agreement, Foreign Minister Ara Aivazian commended the efforts of Armenia and the EU working groups in bringing to life this important achievement. "The Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement covers the broad agenda of our bilateral relations, as well as provides a solid legal basis for strengthening and expanding the framework of economic and sectoral cooperation, greatly promoting the continuation of internal reforms in various fields for the benefit of our citizens."

In his speech, the Minister emphasized that the strengthening of relations based on common values ​​and mutual aspirations with the European Union and its member states is a priority for Armenia, aimed at building a well-developed and resilient society. "Speaking on common values, we cannot ignore how those values ​​were suppressed and violated as a result of the use of force against the peaceful people of Artsakh. The large-scale military aggression of Azerbaijan against the people of Nagorno-Karabakh (Artsakh) lasted 44 days, resulting in a new, unstable situation in the region with all possible negative consequences.

We have indeed confronted new challenges, but at the same time our determination to support the realization of the right of the people of Artsakh to self-determination has not been undermined. I would like to emphasize that the Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement in the context of the Nagorno-Karabakh peace process clearly refers to this right, which is especially important now, as the main purpose of the war unleashed by Azerbaijan was to deprive the people of Artsakh of their rights."

Minister Aivazian drew the attention of the participants to the issue of primary importance for Armenia - the safe return of prisoners of war and captured civilians by Azerbaijan, including women, highly appreciating the EU position in this regard. "We believe that both the EU and the EU member states should have more to say on this issue, as it is not only about regional security and stability, but also about the human lives," said Foreign Minister of Armenia Ara Aivazian.