Pashinyan discusses Armenia's dual foreign policy: EAEU ties and EU aspirations

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan discussed Armenia’s position within the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) during a recent press conference, Caliber.Az reports via Armenian media.

“I'll tell you honestly, we feel pretty good in the EAEU,” Pashinyan said, referencing the EAEU-Iran Free Trade Agreement. “Moreover, we are interested in developing and deepening relations with Iran.”

However, he acknowledged the importance of the aspirations of a certain part of the Armenian population who desire the country to forge closer ties with the European Union.

“We cannot ignore the aspiration of a certain and sensitive part of our people to form a choice for the country’s future,” Pashinyan added, highlighting the tension between Armenia’s EAEU membership and its European ambitions.

Pashinyan also emphasized that Armenia is at a critical moment for determining its strategic future, reiterating the country’s commitment to a balanced foreign policy that allows it to “separate real and sincere friends from not real and insincere friends.”

The prime minister reaffirmed Armenia’s efforts to strengthen ties with both Iran and the EAEU.

Earlier in January, the Armenian government approved a draft law to begin the process of joining the European Union, a move sparked by the collection of 60,000 signatures from non-parliamentary parties. Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan has since emphasized that Armenia's European aspirations are in line with the will of its citizens.

In response, Russia has expressed concerns over Armenia’s pursuit of EU membership while remaining in the EAEU. Russian presidential spokesperson Dmitry Peskov remarked, “It is unclear what Armenia’s EU ambitions might mean,” stressing the need for clarification on Armenia’s intentions. Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk further commented that Armenia’s pursuit of EU membership could signal its exit from the EAEU, comparing it to “buying a ticket to the Titanic.”

By Tamilla Hasanova