Von der Leyen to visit Armenia and Azerbaijan to strengthen EU influence in the region – Politico

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is planning to visit Armenia and Azerbaijan next week, where she is expected to focus on “strengthening the European Union’s position” in the region and “countering Russian influence,” Politico reported, citing European officials.

“The visit will focus on strengthening trade and other ties, as well as helping to counter Moscow’s efforts to maintain influence in the former Soviet republics,” the newspaper quoted one of its interlocutors as saying.

According to Politico, von der Leyen will be accompanied by EU Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos, who has been actively advocating for the accession of Ukraine and Moldova to the European Union.

During her visit to Armenia, European Commission President is expected to meet with Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. In Azerbaijan, she is scheduled to hold talks with President Ilham Aliyev.