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.
