2024-06-01 19:50:45
RA Overseas Minister Ararat Mirzoyan gave an interview to the Turkish TV channel “TRT World” throughout the framework of participation within the Antalya Diplomatic Discussion board. Reference was made to quite a few RA overseas coverage points, together with relations with the USA and the EU, the safety scenario within the South Caucasus, the method of regulating Armenian-Turkish relations, and key points within the negotiation course of between Armenia and Azerbaijan.
Query. Trying on the South Caucasus, we see that the area goes via a interval of transformation, the nations of the post-Soviet space are going via geopolitical adjustments. Taking a look at Armenia, particularly over the previous few years, we see that it has expanded its community of allies, transferring from conventional allies to new allies. As the top of the RA overseas coverage division, what path do you need to take your nation?
Reply: Certainly, the area, together with Armenia, goes via critical transformations. It’s also an inner course of for us. The individuals of Armenia have chosen the democratic method of constructing public life, now we have confirmed this selection a number of instances via elections, in addition to creating democratic establishments. And alongside the best way, we see that the European Union and the USA vastly assist our democratic reforms and institutional adjustments. And basically, it is very important diversify as a lot as doable, develop the circle of companions and allies. So, that is the best way we’re transferring ahead, considerably deepening our relationships with the EU, the USA, whereas sustaining conventional ties or, for instance, seeking to the East as properly. , we’re constructing a very new high quality relationship with India and so forth. After all, I’d additionally like to emphasise our precedence: to control and, to begin with, to develop relations with our neighbors. That is the brief description of our overseas coverage.
Query. You talked concerning the EU. The EU is increasing, have you ever ever thought of becoming a member of the EU, is it doable within the close to or distant future? Or perhaps Armenia is occupied with NATO membership as a part of its overseas coverage in direction of the West?
Reply: Considering all of the challenges that now we have to face within the final 3-4 years, new alternatives are being actively mentioned in Armenia. I can’t reveal a secret if I say that the concept of becoming a member of the EU can be in that listing. The individuals of Armenia have European aspirations, and as I mentioned, we’re going via the method and we are going to see what the tip of the method will likely be, which at this second nobody will be certain or predict.
Query. How would you assess the present stage of relations with the 2 Western nations, the USA and France, and the way do they assist you in your method?
Reply: We have now new alternatives for cooperation with France and the USA. We have now a strategic dialogue with the USA, throughout the framework of which we’re exploring new instructions. I can say the identical concerning the European Union. We have now the Complete and Prolonged Partnership Settlement with the EU, however we’re trying past this settlement. We’re discussing visa liberalization, some new mechanisms that can be utilized in our relationships. I’d additionally like so as to add that for the primary time in historical past, the European Union was concerned within the safety problems with our area. you understand that the EU monitoring mission is stationed in Armenia, which displays the border between Armenia and Azerbaijan; It’s also essential to notice that for the reason that deployment of the mission, tensions on the border have decreased, and we see that the mission has contributed to stability. Thus, we embrace new instructions, new areas in our partnership, and we’re nonetheless midway via the method.