Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan described the European Union as Armenia’s most reliable partner in strengthening democratic institutions, while outlining Yerevan’s evolving foreign policy priorities, normalization efforts with Türkiye, and ongoing ties with Russia.

Speaking at the Polish Institute of International Affairs during his official visit to Warsaw, Pashinyan said cooperation with the EU has become central to Armenia’s reform agenda and long-term development. “I believe the EU is Armenia’s most reliable partner in strengthening democracy,” he stated, noting that Brussels has provided “very concrete support” since 2022, including the deployment of the EU Monitoring Mission and backing democratic reforms.

He highlighted Armenia’s recent legislation launching the EU accession process as a major political signal. “This law is a very important incentive for us to continue pursuing the democratic reform agenda,” Pashinyan said.

The Prime Minister added that Armenia seeks deeper cooperation with the EU across economic development, infrastructure and defense. He also pointed to Armenia’s participation in the European Peace Facility as an important step in security cooperation.

Turning to Türkiye, Pashinyan expressed cautious optimism about normalization, including the possible reopening of the land border, closed by Ankara in 1993. “We have a very positive dialogue with Türkiye; we constantly hold meetings and consultations,” he said. “My expectation is that the volume of bilateral flights will increase; however, we also hope that the land border will be opened.”

He stressed that Armenia has completed infrastructure preparations and is ready to facilitate transit routes, including for trucks traveling between Azerbaijan and Türkiye. “From the Armenian side, there are no obstacles — we are ready to do this at any time,” he said, adding that further progress now depends on Türkiye’s political decision. Pashinyan also noted that Armenia is exploring potential EU support for border infrastructure development.

Addressing security ties with Russia, Pashinyan clarified that Armenia has no intention of seeking the closure of the Russian military base in Gyumri. “We have no plans or concerns regarding the presence of the Russian military base. We are close partners with Russia and maintain strong economic and political ties,” he said.

At the same time, he acknowledged that relations are evolving. Armenia has assumed full control over its border checkpoints, replacing Russian border guard deployments that had existed since the early post-Soviet period.

Pashinyan confirmed that Armenia has frozen its participation in the Collective Security Treaty Organization, citing dissatisfaction with the bloc’s response to Armenia’s security concerns in 2022. “Armenia was disappointed with the CSTO because, despite its legal obligations, it did not adequately respond to Armenia’s security challenges,” he said.

Nevertheless, he stressed Armenia’s commitment to maintaining and reshaping its partnership with Russia.

On broader regional tensions, including between the United States and Iran, Pashinyan expressed hope for diplomatic solutions. “Any instability or challenge is very worrying, and we hope for a stable situation across the broader region,” he said. “We are a small country and can only encourage and join the voices of diplomacy.”