Top European Union officials have congratulated Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan as he is set to win his country's parliamentary election.
"Armenia can count on us," said European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Monday.
"We deeply value our partnership with a democratic Armenia that is drawing ever closer to Europe," she said.
Relations with Russia were the defining issue of the election. Tensions between Russia and Armenia have grown sharply in recent months over Yerevan's pursuit of closer ties with the European Union.
"The votes are being counted, but it looks [for] now like that Armenia's people, although under heavy Russian pressure, still chose to have a European future," EU top diplomat Kaja Kallas said.
"The people of Armenia have voted for a future built on peace, stability and stronger cooperation with their neighbours and the world," said European Council President António Costa.
"Together, the EU and Armenia are building stronger links between people and creating new opportunities in energy, trade, and digitalization," Costa said.
