Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna has called to explain to the Armenian people that there is a way to a more prosperous life for them.
At Wednesday’s joint news conference in Yerevan with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia, Ararat Mirzoyan, the Estonian FM noted the matter of liberalization of the visa regime with the EU and the readiness to work towards joining the EU. According to him, this topic is complicated, it will take tens of years, but they are ready to assist in the training of respective personnel.
Tsahkna emphasized that the idea of supporting countries on the road to democracy is of existential importance for EU countries. The latter know that the enlargement decisions concern not only Ukraine and Moldova, but also those countries that have been waiting for the development of their road for decades, said the Estonian FM, adding that there are also practical steps along with political statements. According to him, it is about the countries that want to develop their democracy, and Armenia is one of them. Armenia has very strong leaders, the Estonian official is convinced, and they support them, he said.
Everything is difficult and they know it, Tsahkna said. Secondly, it is not only about stability, but also about explaining to the Armenian people that there is a way out, there is a way to a more prosperous life, the Estonian FM continued, noting as an example that the standard of living in his country is very different now from what it was a few years ago. It is possible if one follows the rules of democracy, the will to be free, implements reforms, and life will improve he said.
Estonians are ready to assist within their capacity, Tsahkna said, stressing the importance of the EU's message about enlargement in the region. The time has come for the leaders to make a decision, and hopefully it will happen, concluded the Estonian foreign minister.
