The European Union is preparing to provide additional support to Armenia amid restrictions imposed on the import of Armenian products into Russia, EU Ambassador to Armenia Vassilis Maragos said during a meeting with Armenian exporters.

According to Maragos, important meetings and phone discussions were scheduled for June 4, after which specific additional support measures for Armenia would be announced, Armenpress reports.

“Later today, important meetings will take place and phone calls will be held, including with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. After that, we will announce concrete additional measures to support Armenia,” Maragos said.

The ambassador noted that the main purpose of the meeting with Armenian exporters and business representatives was to hear their proposals and assessments in order to better understand how the European Union can support the diversification of export markets.

Maragos also recalled that the European Union has implemented numerous programs over the years aimed at developing Armenia’s private sector.

“Armenian entrepreneurs are among the most successful not only here in Armenia but around the world. This is a very important starting point. However, we now want to hear your views on the current challenges. The main purpose of this meeting is to listen to your opinions and understand your expectations. We are not here to replace the government, let me stress that clearly. And we are not doing anything entirely new, because we are continuing what we have already started together,” the EU ambassador to Armenia said.

In recent months, Russia has repeatedly imposed restrictions on imports of various Armenian products. In particular, imports of flowers, Jermuk mineral water, certain alcoholic beverages, and fish products from Armenia have been banned. Restrictions have also been applied to imports of fruits, vegetables, and other agricultural products.