Armenia keen on strengthening cooperation with EU: Armenian PM

European Council President Donald Tusk (R) shakes hands with visiting Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan after a joint press statement at EU headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, Feb. 27, 2017. (Xinhua/Ye Pingfan) 

YEREVAN, July 7 (Xinhua) -- Armenia is ready to further develop cooperation with the European Union (EU) in all areas of mutual interest, Armenian Prime Minister Karen Karapetyan said on Friday. 

Karapetyan made the remarks when receiving ambassadors of EU member states to Armenia led by Piotr Switalski, said the press office of the Armenian government.  

During the meeting, the prime minister presented the priorities of the 2017-2022 government program to the European diplomats.

Armenia plans major reforms and actions in areas of state governance, human rights, judicial and legal matters as well as in the fight against corruption.

Calling the Armenian government program as impressive and ambitious, the head of the EU Delegation to Armenia, Switalski, reiterated the willingness of the EU to work jointly with Armenia to expand and strengthen the bilateral relations. 

The EU has particularly welcomed the Armenian government's initiatives in its fight against corruption, organization of electoral processes, creating a business-friendly environment in the country and other areas.

In 2013, Armenia abruptly refused to sign the Association Agreement with the EU following nearly four years of negotiations and instead opted to join the Russia-led Customs Union.

In February this year, Armenia finalized its negotiations with the EU on a new agreement to deepen political and economic ties between the two.