RA President: Armenia is facing unprecedented challenges that have  increased importance of access to safe and reliable digital  infrastructure and technologies

ArmInfo. Armenia has always been committed to expanding partnerships with the European Union, its  member states and other partners in all areas of mutual interest for the well-being of our peoples. RA President Vahagn Khachaturyan stated  in his speech at the "Digital Infrastructures" panel discussion held within the framework of the Global Gateway conference in Brussels.

According to him, quoted by the press service of the head of state,  pipeline projects have long been among the priorities of the Armenian  government, and we are ready to take joint steps to use the enormous  potential of Global Gateways, including the possible export of green  energy to Europe. Armenia, as Khachaturyan emphasized, wills to  explore the possibility of its participation in regional transit  projects, including projects for underwater transmission of  electricity under the Black Sea to Romania and fiber- optic cable  projects. "Unfortunately, we see constant attempts by some countries  to isolate us from regional and transregional projects. In this  respect, we hope for the understanding and support of our EU  partners. 

Another important initiative is the EU Digitalization Programme,  aimed at supporting the digital reform program in Armenia. The EU is  promoting key areas of the digital economy and society to stimulate  economic growth, provide  more  jobs, improve people's lives and  support businesses. The project builds on the long history of  Armenia-EU partnership in the field of e-government and  digitalization. I think that we should also think about developing  cooperation in the field of artificial intelligence, where Armenia  already has significant achievements. I believe there is no need to  dwell on the importance of artificial intelligence, except to say  that it can serve as another tool to achieve our common goal of more  inclusive communication. At this time, we must also jointly promote  the implementation of the Eastern Partnership economic and investment  plan, especially the flagship initiatives developed for Armenia. This  requires constant coordination, cooperation and determination.  Investments in the field of digital transformation, innovation,  science and technology are among the priority initiatives for  Armenia," the President emphasized.

He also recalled the signing yesterday of a statement of intent by  the EU and the European Investment Bank on the establishment of two  educational centers, which will be built in the Syunik region of  Armenia and will be managed by the Children of Armenia Fund (COAF) .  "What started as an infrastructure improvement project has grown into  a holistic initiative. Through education, health resources, social  services and job training, coupled with economic and infrastructure  initiatives, COAF has made a difference in 82 communities.

Over the past two decades, the program has positively changed the  lives of more than 100,000 young people. The COAF project and the  TUMO Center for Creative Technologies are Armenian innovations that  we are ready to share with our partners as a concept that promotes  innovative ideas and visions of children. This will help further  strengthen the link between formal and non-formal education. The  construction of these smart centers in Syunik will contribute to the  development of the southern regions of Armenia. Rapid technological  development and the increasing role of technology and digitalization  in everyday life offer opportunities for increased connections and  cooperation between continents. We are ready to deepen our  cooperation with the EU and other interested partners in the fight  against hybrid and cyber threats, disinformation, which are directly  directed against democracy and democratic institutions of Armenia,"  Vahagn Khachaturyan said.

He also added that over the past few years, especially after ethnic  cleansing and the mass deportation of Armenians from  Nagorno-Karabakh, Armenia has faced unprecedented challenges that  have increased the importance of access to safe and secure digital  infrastructure and technology. "I think that real political will and  the determination of political leaders to establish a just peace in  our region is a prerequisite for the development of such  infrastructure. Taking this opportunity, I would like to emphasize  that Armenia is fully committed to the resumption of North-South and  East-West communications in the region, including through the  territory of Armenia. This will connect the Caspian Sea with the  Mediterranean Sea, the Black Sea with the Persian Gulf. And it can  not only serve as a long-term guarantee of stability and development  of the region, but also become an important link in global economic  cooperation. Armenia strives to be part of regional projects within  the framework of the "Crossroads of the Peace" concept. The lack of  peace in many regions, including our region, forces us to spend huge  amounts of money on defense and weapons.  When we clearly realize  that by investing in education instead, we are investing in our  future, we will have an interconnected, predictable and prosperous  world with many open global gateways to the whole world," Vahagn  Khachaturyan said.