Armenian PM Nikol Pashinyan, today in Brussels, described today’s scheduled meeting with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken and E.U. High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Josep Borrell, as a significant step to expand Armenia’s partnership with the West.

“Thank you for convening this high-level meeting to reaffirm our collective commitment to a sovereign, resilient and prosperous Armenia,” Pashinyan said prior to the meeting.

Pashinyan said his government also wants to expand economic cooperation with the West and is committed to making Armenia more attractive for European and American investors and seeks Western support to modernize the country’s infrastructure and trade networks.

“I believe that our shared vision of a democratic, peaceful and prosperous future will continue to serve as the pillar and guiding beacon of our mutually trusting relationship,” Pashinyan remarked.

Ursula von der Leyen said the European Union “stands shoulder to shoulder” with Armenia and announced a €270 million grant to assist small and medium-sized businesses in Armenia.

She said the E.U. hasn’t forgotten about the plight of displaced Artsakh Armenians and has provided more than €30 million to assist them.

E.U. High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Josep Borel noted that the European Union wants to develop a positive agenda for Armenia and, by joining forces with the United States, show its strong commitment to Armenia's sovereignty, democracy, and resilience.

U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken said the U.S. and the E.U. “wants Armenia to be strong, independent, living in peace with its neighbors and connected to the region and the world.”

Blinken pledged some US$65 million in aid to Armenia and will increase its support for Armenia's democracy and economic stability by investing in food security, digital infrastructure, energy diversification, diversification of trading partners and other priorities set by the Pashinyan government.