BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 20. Armenian Prime
Minister Nikol Pashinyan has confirmed that Yerevan is moving from
a one-sided foreign policy orientation toward a fully-fledged
multi-vector approach, while prioritizing the institutionalization
of peace with Azerbaijan and the development of relations with the
European Union, the United States, Russia and other partners.
Speaking at a press briefing after the approval of the
government program for 2026–2031, Pashinyan said the document is
fully based on the ideology of “Real Armenia” and the concept of
the “Fourth Republic.”
He drew a clear distinction between the previous and current
stages of Armenian statehood, stating: “The Third Republic was
based on the logic of conflict from the very first day, while the
Fourth Republic was formed on the logic of peace.”
According to the prime minister, the new government program
envisages further border delimitation with Azerbaijan, the
institutionalization of the already established peace, the
establishment of diplomatic relations with Türkiye, deeper ties
with the EU and the US, as well as the development of partnerships
with Iran, China and India.
Addressing relations with Russia and the Eurasian Economic Union
(EAEU), Pashinyan rejected claims that Moscow or other partners
within the bloc are issuing ultimatums to Armenia over its European
course.
He described the EAEU countries’ joint statement on the need for
a referendum regarding relations with the EU as a “friendly
gesture” rather than a demand, stressing that Armenia would
continue diversifying its foreign relations. “Even if Russia opens
its entire market, we will continue our efforts in this direction,”
Pashinyan said, referring to Armenia’s efforts to expand exports to
other markets.
Regarding relations with Azerbaijan, Pashinyan said: “There are
no obstacles to peace, because peace has already been established.
The main task now is to institutionalize the agreements that have
been reached, including completing border delimitation and
formalizing interstate relations.”
