EU to deepen transport, energy, security cooperation with Armenia - von der Leyen

YEREVAN. May 5 (Interfax) - The European Union intends to deepen its cooperation with Armenia, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said.

"We will do so along four key priorities. The first is connectivity," the main component of which is transport, von der Leyen said at a press briefing after the First EU-Armenia Summit in Yerevan on Tuesday.

Due to its geography, Armenia has vast potential "to link Europe with South Caucasus and Central Asia and thus to turn Armenia into a key transport hub," she said.

The EU stands ready to work with Armenia to modernize border crossings, she said.

"We will support your integration into key transport networks like the Trans-Caspian corridor. It is a route that is also of strategic importance for Europe," von der Leyen said.

The second area of cooperation is energy, the development of solar power, which will help Armenia diversify this sector, she said. The EU will bolster Armenia's energy security and will invest 25 million euros in the construction of energy storage facilities, she said.

The next areas of cooperation are information technologies and security cooperation, von der Leyen said.

"Under the European Peace Facility, we are supporting the Armenian armed forces, but Armenia also has to counter foreign information manipulation, hybrid threats, interference. Our new partnership mission will support you in countering these hybrid threats," von der Leyen said.

The sides' cooperation also includes the visa liberalization process between Armenia and the EU, she said, adding that a great deal has already been done to this end, and the EU assesses this work positively.

"I'm absolutely convinced we're going to get there," von der Leyen said.

European Council President Antonio Costa, for his part, said that Armenia has become an important connectivity hub between Europe and Asia.

"You didn't change the place of Armenia, but you changed radically the conditions of your country. You have also shown courage and statesmanship by choosing to prioritize peace and a better future for your country," Costa said addressing Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan.

"A stable and prosperous South Caucasus is the bedrock of Armenia's future and the European Union will continue to support the regional peace and normalization processes," Costa said.