Olivér Várhelyi, the European Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement will travel to the South Caucasus on July 6-9, visiting Georgia, Azerbaijan and Armenia. This will be Commissioner’s first mission to the South Caucasus region.

According to the EU External Action Service, the visit follows adoption of the Economic and Investment Plan, underpinning a renewed agenda for recovery, resilience and reform for the Eastern Partnership countries.

During his meetings with political authorities, business and civil society actors, Commissioner Várhelyi will present the Economic and Investment Plan for the region and its flagship initiatives per country. He will also discuss key issues of bilateral relations with each of the three countries. The Commissioner will confirm the EU’s solidarity with partner countries in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

In Georgia, Commissioner Várhelyi will meet Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili, Foreign Minister David Zalkaliani, Chairman of the Parliament Kakhaber Kuchava, representatives of political parties and Patriarch Ilia II.

In Azerbaijan, he will have meetings with Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov, Head of the Presidential Administration Samir Nuriyev, Minister of Economy Mikayil Jabbarov and Minister of Energy Parviz Shahbazov.

In Armenia, Commissioner Várhelyi will meet with President Armen Sarkissian, Acting Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, Acting Deputy Prime Minister Grigoryan, and Patriarch Karekin II among others.