Armenia, Latvia to expand cooperation in artificial intelligence and cybersecurity

Armenian Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Ararat Mirzoyan discussed key issues on the bilateral agenda, Armenia-European Union relations, the expansion of economic cooperation, as well as regional and international developments with Latvian Foreign Minister Baiba Braže.

According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, speaking at a joint press conference with Baiba Braže in Riga, Mirzoyan said it was a particular pleasure for him to visit the Latvian capital in his new capacity as Armenia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade.

He noted that he maintains regular contact with the Latvian Foreign Minister on a broad range of issues of mutual interest. According to Mirzoyan, in recent years Armenia and Latvia have succeeded in building a strong and dynamic political dialogue, as well as a partnership based on friendship and shared democratic values.

“Armenia and Latvia are partners united by a commitment to sovereignty, democracy and peace,” Mirzoyan said.

The talks focused on expanding economic cooperation and diversifying Armenia’s export markets. The sides agreed on the need to translate the strong political dialogue into tangible economic results by promoting bilateral trade, investment and ties between the business communities of the two countries.

Mirzoyan thanked Baiba Braže for her swift response and support in facilitating the urgent export of certain Armenian products to the Latvian market.

According to Mirzoyan, this practical support is greatly appreciated and demonstrates Latvia’s readiness to contribute to Armenia’s economic diversification at a particularly important time.

The sides also highlighted the importance of reciprocal visits by business delegations, organising joint business forums, establishing direct contacts between the private sectors and fostering closer cooperation between the two countries’ investment promotion agencies.

The Armenian side expressed its readiness to explore specific investment opportunities with Latvia and develop targeted and mutually beneficial economic projects.

The Foreign Ministers of Armenia and Latvia agreed to develop more targeted and results-oriented cooperation in energy, resilience to hybrid threats, digital transformation, advanced technologies and artificial intelligence, e-governance, cybersecurity and education.

According to Mirzoyan, the deepening partnership between Armenia and the European Union also featured prominently in the talks. He highly appreciated Latvia’s consistent support for initiatives of particular importance to Armenia.

Cooperation in this area includes the implementation of existing agreements, initiatives aimed at strengthening Armenia’s resilience and promoting economic diversification, as well as identifying new areas of partnership.

Mirzoyan stressed that visa liberalisation with the European Union is one of Armenia’s key priorities and an important component of its broader and deepening partnership with the EU.

The Armenian side highly appreciates Latvia’s continued support for the Armenia-EU visa liberalisation dialogue and looks forward to its constructive engagement at all stages of the process.

“We hope that with Latvia’s continued support, Armenia will be able to advance its ambitious reform agenda, which is a cornerstone of our efforts to bring the country closer to the European Union,” Mirzoyan said.

The ministers also discussed the constructive cooperation between the two countries on multilateral platforms, including the continued development of cooperation in the Armenia-Nordic-Baltic Eight, or NB8, format.

Turning to regional developments and geopolitical challenges, Mirzoyan presented Armenia’s efforts to further consolidate and institutionalise the peace established between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

The sides also discussed the importance of unblocking regional economic and transport infrastructure, which, according to Mirzoyan, is a direct result of the peace and stability established in the region.

“A clear example of this is the TRIPP project, which will soon enter the construction phase,” the Armenian Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade said.

He stressed that the new realities that have emerged in the region create significant opportunities for developing interregional connectivity, expanding economic cooperation and advancing connectivity projects. Thus, alongside the Armenian-Latvian political dialogue, a practical cooperation agenda is also taking shape, ranging from trade and technology to regional connectivity.

In his concluding remarks, Mirzoyan thanked Baiba Braže for the warm welcome, productive discussions, partnership and friendship.