EU, Armenia launch talks on common aviation area

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, April 27 (Xinhua) -- Armenia and the European Union held the first round of negotiations on Wednesday in Yerevan on forming a common aviation area, according to Armenpress.

The talks were led by the Director of the General Department of Civil Aviation of Armenia (GDCA) Sergey Avetisyan, and Deputy Head of Unit for Aviation Agreements of the European Commission Klaus Geil.

According to Piotr Switalski, Head of the EU Delegation to Armenia, who also attended the first round of negotiations, introduction of European standards and regulations will make Armenia "a member of our family."  

Armenia will have bigger opportunities for connecting with the world, which is of paramount importance, he added.

GDCA Director Avetisyan said the agreement with the EU will create conditions for geographic diversification in the field and will effectively boost competition, which leads to price cuts and better services provided by airline companies.

This will not only lead to lower prices for air fares for Armenians, but also contribute to stronger integration between Armenia and the EU along with the development of the aviation sector.

On December 1, 2016, the Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council of the EU adopted, without discussion, a mandate that would enable the European Commission to launch talks on a comprehensive air transport agreement with Armenia, which, when reached, will liberalize air travel from Armenia to all EU member states.