Political analyst downplays expectations of US-Armenia strategic partnership

Amid growing discussions over Armenia's evolving relationship with the United States, political analyst Suren Sargsyan has emphasized that the newly signed strategic partnership agreement between Yerevan and Washington is far from positioning Armenia as a second Israel in terms of its alliance with the US.

"The agreement is not about building strategic allied relations like the US has with Israel or Great Britain," Sargsyan stated in a social media post, referring to the agreement that Armenia's Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan is set to sign with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Washington on the evening of January 14, 2025, Caliber.Az reports via Armenian media.

While highlighting that the agreement would pave the way for future cooperation, Sargsyan reminded his followers of a similar deal signed by the US and Georgia in 2009, which ultimately did not lead to the deepened ties expected at the time. "We all know how that turned out," he remarked, suggesting that the promises made then did not materialize as expected.

The agreement, Sargsyan pointed out, does not include security guarantees for Armenia, nor does it provide for military aid, arms transfers, or the establishment of US military bases in the country. "The US does not provide Armenia with any security guarantees. There is no military assistance, no arms, and no plans for a US military base or representatives in Armenia," he wrote.

Instead, the agreement focuses on non-combat areas of collaboration. In terms of security, it envisions advisory support, military-to-military contacts, educational exchanges, and continued cooperation with the Kansas National Guard. The US is also set to provide financial aid for Armenia’s economic reforms, social projects, and human rights efforts.

Additionally, energy cooperation is highlighted, with a focus on the potential construction of small American nuclear power plants in Armenia.

However, Sargsyan also raised concerns about the future of the agreement under a potential change in US leadership. "One of the main questions is whether the agreement will continue to be implemented under the Trump administration," he noted. "This issue depends on the effectiveness of Armenian diplomacy in navigating future political shifts and ensuring the continuation of cooperation regardless of US political changes."

By Tamilla Hasanova