Armenian PM Nikol Pashinyan attended the ''Copenhagen Democracy Summit," where he delivered a speech and engaged in discussions focused on "From the frontline: Armenia's defense of democracy,'' the PM press office reports. Nikol Pashinyan addressed the challenges for Armenian democracy. He highlighted the significant progress made since the 2018 Velvet Revolution, emphasizing the citizens' newfound power to elect their government in democratic elections. Pashinyan also discussed the country's achievements in strengthening democratic institutions, citing improvements in various democracy indexes.

However, he acknowledged that Armenia faces external security challenges, particularly in the aftermath of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. Pashinyan emphasized the importance of democracy in addressing security, economic, and humanitarian challenges, stating that the real goal is lasting peace. He discussed Armenia's efforts to strengthen its security through legitimate foreign policy measures, including agreements with Azerbaijan to demarcate borders based on the Alma-Ata Declaration of 1991.

Armenian PM acknowledged progress in combating corruption but stressed the need for continued efforts. 

''We have made huge progress in the fight against corruption, but unfortunately, we cannot say we have eradicated corruption from Armenia. But what to do: to continue, to be firm, and to be persistent in the agenda of democratic reforms. This is the reason why cooperation with the European Union is of utmost importance for us, because today the European Union is our main partner in the implementation of our democratic reform agenda. We hope that the European Union, as well as the USA, will increase their support to Armenia in the implementation of democratic reforms because, as I said, democracy is a strategy for us,'' he noted. 

Pashinyan also emphasized the importance of international support in addressing humanitarian needs, particularly for Nagorno-Karabakh refugees.

Armenia Anticipates EU Decision on Inclusion in European Peace Facility

On the sidelines of the Copenhagen Democracy Summit 2024, Nikol Pashinyan mentioned that Yerevan is anticipating the European Union's decision regarding Armenia's inclusion in the EU European Peace Facility. 

He emphasized that Armenia is a member of the CSTO (Collective Security Treaty Organization). While Armenia remains an official member of the CSTO, Pashinyan stated that his government decided to freeze Armenia's participation. Pashinyan highlighted that the tension in Armenia's relationship with the CSTO emerged when Azerbaijani forces invaded Armenian territory. According to CSTO procedures, the organization and its member states were expected to support Armenia in this situation.

Addressing whether Yerevan expects “the West to occupy the current vacuum” and ensure Armenia’s security, PM Pashinyan responded: “Our political position and policy is that we are diversifying our foreign relations in all spheres. Now, we are developing defense cooperation with India, France, and other countries. Now we have a certain cooperation with the European Union because, as I mentioned, we are happy about deploying the EU Civilian Observation Mission on the border between us and Azerbaijan.”

Pashinyan highlighted that the civilian mission represents a new aspect of security for the region, marking the first time the EU has been involved in Armenia's security agenda. He mentioned Armenia's anticipation of the EU's decision to include the country in the EU European Peace Facility.

“We are also eager to commence negotiations on visa liberalization. Last year, I stated in the European Parliament that Armenia is prepared to align with the European Union to the extent the EU finds feasible. This reflects our stance, ” the Armenian PM noted.

Armenia-Denmark Cooperation in Focus During Pashinyan's Visit to Copenhagen

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, during his working visit to the Kingdom of Denmark, held a meeting with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen.

According to the government readout, the two leaders discussed various aspects of Armenia-Denmark cooperation across different sectors. Mette Frederiksen expressed her government's readiness to enhance collaboration with Armenia and welcomed Nikol Pashinyan's visit to Copenhagen.

They also exchanged views on several international and regional issues of mutual interest, highlighting the importance of ongoing cooperation in multilateral forums.

Armenian PM Pashinyan briefed Mette Frederiksen on the Armenia-Azerbaijan peace process and the current situation in the South Caucasus region. He also discussed Armenia's "Crossroads of Peace" project, which aims to unblock regional communication channels.

Furthermore, they discussed Armenia's cooperation with the European Union.