Yerevan: Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Bulgarian President Iliana Iotova signed a joint declaration on strategic partnership on Sunday as they met in Yerevan ahead of the 8th European Political Community summit. The declaration is seen as a significant step toward strengthening bilateral ties between the two nations.

According to Anadolu Agency, Pashinyan extended a warm welcome to Iotova and her delegation, congratulating her on assuming the presidency of Bulgaria and wishing her success in her new role. He highlighted the strong potential for bilateral cooperation and expressed gratitude for Bulgaria's support within the European Union framework.

Iotova, in response, thanked Pashinyan for the warm reception and acknowledged Armenia's role in hosting the summit. She emphasized the tangible results the European Political Community has achieved since its inception and congratulated Pashinyan on the upcoming EU-Armenia summit.

In addition to the meeting with Iotova, Pashinyan also held separate discussions with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Lithuanian Prime Minister Inga Ruginiene. During his meeting with Carney, Pashinyan discussed the positive bilateral relations between Armenia and Canada, covering issues of mutual interest. Carney expressed appreciation for Armenia's support to Canadians concerning the Iran conflict and mentioned the EU's regional monitoring efforts, offering assistance in facilitating elections.

With Ruginiene, discussions focused on deepening bilateral relations and expanding cooperation, particularly in the areas of democratic reforms and economic ties between Armenia and the EU. Pashinyan emphasized the importance of strengthening Armenia's connections with the EU and thanked Ruginiene for her participation in the summit. Ruginiene praised Armenia's democratic progress, noting its contribution to fostering closer ties between the two countries.