21:03,

YEREVAN, DECEMBER 25, ARMENPRESS. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has delivered a speech at the Eurasian Economic Union summit in Saint Petersburg.

PM Pashinyan emphasized that the EEU, an economic union, must not have a political or a geopolitical agenda, and its principles must not be tied with political ambitions.

He said that Armenia will assume from Russia on January 1, 2024 the presidency in the EEU and expects support and productive cooperation from member states with the purpose of resolving existing issues.

“It is symbolic that Armenia’s chairmanship coincides with the tenth anniversary of the signing of the treaty on the EEU, which is based on the fundamental clause that the EEU is an economic union, which must not have a political and moreover a geopolitical agenda. We continue to perceive it as such and in this very context to develop partnership as part of our economic cooperation, seeking to prevent all attempts of politicizing the Eurasian integration. The EEU and its economic principles must not be tied with political ambitions. The fundamental freedoms of trade and integration cannot and must not be limited due to political reasons, because that would definitely lead to the corrosion of the union’s fundamental principles. In this context the Armenian side attaches importance to the signing of the declaration on the development of economic processes until 2030 and 2045 which is based on the conceptual and priority directions of the EEU midterm and long-term development,” the Armenian PM said.

PM Pashinyan said that Armenia welcomes the signing of the EEU free trade agreement with Iran. Pashinyan said that the full format agreement will contribute to the strengthening of trade-economic, logistic and transport connections with Iran and will allow to create a strong contract framework for joint projects.

“At the same time, a number of unresolved principled issues have accumulated within the EEU, such as the pressing need for achieving fundamental solutions regarding agreeing upon the approaches, principles and mechanisms on the activity of common energy markets by member states. In this context, we are ready to display flexible approach in the direction of ensuring the balance of interests of EEU member states around outstanding issues, with the purpose of benefiting from the advantages and potential of the EEU common energy markets. I also find it necessary to enhance the areas of cooperation in increasing energy efficiency and the development of renewable energy. Another significantly important issue is the introduction of digital technologies in the practical operations of state business processes with active involvement of the IT communities of our countries. This sector is of special importance, particularly in light of the practical applications of AI, which creates new opportunities for faster data collection in economic activities and effective studies. The responsible use of AI opportunities can additionally promote the development of economic cooperation within the framework of the EEU,” Pashinyan said.

He said that the absence of a common border with EEU countries creates certain difficulties and economic expenditures for Armenia, which is a challenge, but also an exclusive opportunity for the EEU.

“If we succeed to ensure uninterruptedness of transport, transit and administration through modern technologies, we will have an exclusive chance to develop EEU relations with interested third countries,” Pashinyan said, adding that the introduction of modern digital tracking systems for goods and cargo can also become a productive instrument.

The article will be updated with the full transcript of the Armenian Prime Minister’s speech.