Since the Ambassador’s previous interview in 2023, significant developments have occurred in Armenia, the South Caucasus, and globally. We hope to address all major topics in this conversation.
▶ Հայերեն. Read the Armenian version here.
Alexander KAFFKA, editor-in-chief of CJ: Your Excellency, since we are in Tbilisi, let’s begin with Armenia–Georgia relations. Our countries now have a Strategic Partnership Agreement signed about 18 months ago. Beyond its evident symbolic weight, what tangible results have been recorded, and what future initiatives are being developed? In addition to political and economic dimensions, could you also comment on military cooperation as outlined in the agreement signed last year by the defense ministers of Armenia and Georgia?
AS: I believe that at the heart of every official’s work are projects they must not only launch but also continue, as successors. For a diplomat, these projects are diverse and multifaceted, with community cultural initiatives playing a significant role.
I would also like to address the work being done at the Pantheon of Armenian Writers and Public Figures in Tbilisi, and I express my gratitude to Tbilisi City Hall, which authorized the Armenian Government to contribute to the restoration of this sacred site for Armenians. In 2024, the embassy launched the tri-lingual website www.khojivank.ge, and a new commemorative nameplate was installed. Using the QR code on the plaque, visitors can access the brief biographies of the individuals buried there and the history of the Pantheon.
Ashot SMBATYAN: Yes, you are absolutely right, for over 30 years now, the friendly relations between Armenia and Georgia have reached their political peak, and in January 2024, the Prime Ministers of Armenia and Georgia signed the Joint Declaration on Establishing a Strategic Partnership between the Republic of Armenia and Georgia in Tbilisi. This elevated our relations to a qualitatively new level and laid the foundation for further deepening of bilateral ties in various fields.
There is visible progress in almost all areas, and in tourism, it is especially important that the number of Georgian tourists visiting Armenia has significantly increased. There is a comprehensive legal and contractual framework between various agencies of the two countries. Over the past two years alone, more than ten documents have been signed.
High-level meetings and sectoral contacts between Armenia and Georgia take place regularly. Annual political consultations are held between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of the two countries. Cultural relations are actively developing as well, with numerous cultural events held in both countries.
There is visible progress in almost all areas, and in tourism, it is especially important that the number of Georgian tourists visiting Armenia has significantly increased.
These are all necessary steps, but I am convinced there is still great potential in the development of Armenia–Georgia relations, and we must continue our efforts to realize and advance it.
AK: Speaking of strategic partnerships, I must mention your country’s relations with the United States. The Armenia–US Strategic Partnership Charter was signed this year, although discussions began under the previous US administration. How important are such documents from an Armenian perspective?
AS: The United States of America is one of the key partners of the Republic of Armenia. Multilateral cooperation occupies a special place in Armenia’s political and economic life.
In January 2025, the Armenia–USA Strategic Partnership Charter was signed in Washington. It includes comprehensive provisions for expanding and deepening bilateral cooperation in areas such as economy, trade, transport and energy, defense and security, democracy, justice, human relations, and cultural exchanges.
The elevation of bilateral relations to the level of a strategic partnership continues the Armenia–US Strategic Dialogue established in 2019 and the agreements reached within that framework.
We are confident that this Charter will enable more comprehensive and targeted cooperation, advancing the national interests of both countries, including enhanced economic cooperation.
AK: We have also seen significant momentum in Armenia–EU relations. Armenia has not yet applied for EU membership, but recently your country adopted a document that “paves a legal path toward EU integration.” Can you explain the significance of this? Is a formal application expected in the near future? Also, last year, the EU offered €270 million for Armenia’s socio-economic resilience and allocated €10 million to Armenia’s armed forces—the EU’s first-ever financial aid to Armenia’s military. Two years ago, such developments would have been unimaginable. Can you comment?
AS: Developing a partnership with the European Union is one of the most important directions of Armenia’s foreign policy.
Cooperation with the EU has greatly contributed to reforms in the fields of justice, public administration, and various sectors of the economy in Armenia, as well as to the establishment of a democratic society and the strengthening of institutions that protect human rights and fundamental freedoms.
Since Armenia’s independence, the EU has been one of the largest financial supporters of development programs in Armenia. We can state that Armenia–EU relations have never been closer than they are today. Naturally, we value the deepening of relations with the EU, as the Armenian people share European values, and closer bilateral relations with both the EU and its member states are entirely natural.
Armenia places great importance on the visa liberalization process, which would further enhance Armenia–EU political, economic, scientific, and cultural ties. It is also important to highlight the role of the EU Civilian Mission in ensuring stability and security along Armenia’s borders.
Armenia is expanding cooperation platforms with the EU in political and security dialogue as well.
I agree—it was indeed the first time that technical assistance worth €10 million was provided under the European Peace Facility (EPF) to strengthen the defense capabilities of Armenia’s Armed Forces, and according to the EU, this support will be continuous.
Cooperation with the EU also centers on strengthening public institutions, economic development, energy efficiency, mobility, and promoting people-to-people contacts. Several programs in these areas are currently underway in Armenia with EU support, and the process of submitting new projects continues.
The logic of developing relationships with international partners should replace dependency on one center with dependency on many. This manifests the rethinking of Armenia’s international relations.
AK: This marks a significant shift for a country that was once closely integrated with Russia. How is this new political orientation perceived by the Armenian public?
AS: It’s important to emphasize that the Armenian government pursues a balanced and balancing policy. Within this context, we are expanding our relations with various countries and organizations, including the EU, without it being directed against any third country or conflicting with other formats of cooperation.
I also want to note that the law adopted by Armenia’s National Assembly, “On Launching the Process of Armenia’s Accession to the European Union,” is the result of a public initiative and reflects the Armenian people’s aspirations toward Europe.
As Prime Minister Pashinyan put it, the logic of developing relationships with international partners should replace dependency on one center with dependency on many. This essentially manifests the rethinking and redefinition of Armenia’s international relations in political, security, economic, and other fields.
AK: Would you like to comment on the current status of peace negotiations with Azerbaijan?
AS: The Republic of Armenia and the Republic of Azerbaijan have agreed on the text of the “Agreement on the Establishment of Peace and Interstate Relations between the Republic of Armenia and the Republic of Azerbaijan.” Armenia has officially stated that it is ready to sign the document as soon as possible.
On July 10, during a meeting in Abu Dhabi between the Prime Minister of Armenia and the President of Azerbaijan, issues related to the signing process and various aspects of the Armenia–Azerbaijan interstate relations agenda were discussed.
The parties confirmed that bilateral negotiations are the most effective format for addressing all issues related to the normalization of relations, and based on this, agreed to continue result-oriented dialogue. They also agreed to continue direct negotiations and confidence-building measures.
In this context, the Armenian side considers it important to avoid actions and rhetoric that hinder progress in the process.
AK: Apparently, many new political developments have influenced Armenia from various directions, including Turkey, Russia, Iran, and even India. If you’re not tired of political discussions, would you comment on any of these “azimuths”?
AS: Armenia values the development of relations with Iran and the strengthening of historically established neighborly ties. The Government’s 2021–2026 program includes steps to further deepen special relations with Iran.
Armenia also highly values strengthening friendly and mutually beneficial relations with India. Armenia is deepening ties with India across various sectors, and India is currently one of Armenia’s key partners.
Armenia continues the process of normalizing relations with Turkey. The Prime Minister’s visit to Turkey on June 20 was a logical continuation of this process. Both sides emphasized the importance of ongoing constructive dialogue and achieving concrete results. The leaders also discussed regional developments and possible areas of bilateral cooperation. Armenia and Turkey reaffirmed their readiness to maintain direct contacts and dialogue.
AK: This year marked the 110th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, an important day not only for Armenia but also for Georgia, which became home to many Armenian survivors. Some notable statistics were revealed at a commemorative event held in Tbilisi. Would you like to comment on this?
AS: I find it necessary to emphasize once again that brotherly Georgia was one of the countries that accepted many Armenians displaced as a result of the Armenian Genocide, many of whom later achieved great success on Georgian soil. The cultural and historical values they created and the legacy they left behind stand as firm pillars of memory.
Remembrance is the foundation for restoring and recognizing historical justice. I believe that forgetting, remaining silent, or ignoring the suffering and injustice neither eases the pain nor justifies the injustice. On the contrary, facing and recognizing history as it actually was is the best path toward reconciliation.
Therefore, honoring the memory of the victims of the Armenian Genocide has always been and will continue to be our duty.
At this year’s event, photographs and stories were presented of some Armenian families and orphans who migrated to Tbilisi—some of these materials are preserved at the Armenian Genocide Museum-Institute.
Organizing such events in Georgia and around the world is not only important for keeping the memory alive but also for expressing our gratitude to the states, peoples, individuals, and organizations that showed humanity and kindness to the Armenian people during that difficult historical period.
AK: Finally, I would like to ask about the projects you and your embassy have been directly involved in—past, present, or future. Which of these do you consider your main achievements?
For example, the unveiling of the memorial plaque dedicated to the world-renowned composer Aram Khachaturian began during the term of the previous Armenian Ambassador and was completed in 2023. The essential point is that at 93 D. Uznadze Street in Tbilisi, where the great composer once lived, a plaque is now installed as a symbol of enduring Armenian–Georgian friendship.
Soon, with the joint efforts of the embassy and the Tbilisi Sakrebulo, a nameplate will also be installed at 13 A. Pushkin Street in Tbilisi to commemorate the legacy of the great Armenian painter and sculptor Ervand Kochar.
The Armenian Embassy supports all programs aimed at intercultural rapprochement. I believe culture is a reliable bridge between peoples and the best manifestation of national identity. In 2023, we jointly celebrated the 150th anniversary of the great poet Hovhannes Tumanyan, who spent much of his literary and public life in Tbilisi. Items from his house-museum in Armenia were exhibited at the Tbilisi Literature Museum, and the Komitas Museum-Institute’s ‘Geghard’ vocal ensemble performed at Tbilisi Conservatory.
In 2024, both in Tbilisi and Yerevan we proudly celebrated the 200th anniversary of the Nersisian School—an educational powerhouse. As part of this, an exclusive exhibition of archival materials and photographs from Georgia and Armenia was held, first in the former school building (now Caucasus University), and later at the Armenian State Pedagogical University.
I also consider a significant achievement that, with the embassy’s support, a special issue of the prestigious Georgian literary journal ‘Arili’ was published, dedicated to Armenian literature, making the works of Armenian writers more accessible to Georgian readers.
I also highly value the opening of the ArMath Engineering Lab this September at Tbilisi’s School 104. I am thankful to the Ministry of Education and Science of Georgia, Tbilisi-born Gagik and Rafik Aghajanyan, and all the supporters who helped bring this wonderful initiative to life. It will give students the opportunity to master robotics and other similar skills.
AK: You have served as Ambassador to Georgia for nearly three years. What do you remember most from your term in office?
AS: Georgia, with all its spiritual and material charm, still continues to amaze and inspire me. This wonderful country, which embraces and connects different cultures, offers new discoveries and impressions almost every day.
However, I am certain of one thing: today and in the future, the most important and valuable thing is that there are and will remain people with whom this country connected me and with whom I have a great desire to continue my friendship, Armenian-Georgian and beyond...
AK: Thank you very much!
Read the Armenian language version here.
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