Ursula von der Leyen arrives in Armenia

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen arrived in Armenia on Thursday, July 2, following a visit to neighboring Azerbaijan. Her arrival at Zvartnots Airport in the capital city was marked by a reception with Armenian Deputy Prime Minister Mher Grigoryan and other government officials.

During her visit, Von der Leyen is expected to hold a meeting with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. A joint press conference is scheduled to follow their discussions. This diplomatic engagement takes place against a backdrop of strengthening ties between Yerevan and Brussels, a shift that has been accompanied by Armenia's increasing distance from Moscow, a development that has reportedly caused unease in the Kremlin.

The visit underscores the evolving geopolitical landscape in the South Caucasus region, with Armenia seeking to deepen its relationship with the European Union while navigating its traditional security and economic ties with Russia.