Prime Minister Mark Carney will have a brief visit to Yerevan, engaging with Armenia’s political leadership before the European Political Community summit. He is expected to meet with Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan upon arrival, with the focus shifting to interactions with European leaders. The EPC summit, a biannual event bringing together EU members and neighboring countries, will include Ukrainian President Zelenskyy.
Carney’s office stated that discussions at the summit will emphasize collective security, transatlantic defense readiness, and support for Ukraine. The Prime Minister highlighted the strengthening ties between Canada and the EU, emphasizing cooperation in defense, energy, and technology for mutual prosperity.
Canada has been intensifying relations with Armenia, evident from opening an embassy in Yerevan in 2023 and joining the European Union Mission in Armenia. Experts suggest deepening these ties due to Armenia’s strategic significance in a region shifting towards the West and away from Russian influence.
The shift in Armenia’s foreign policy towards the West, spearheaded by Pashinyan since 2018, has gained momentum post the conflict with Azerbaijan over Nagorno-Karabakh. Carney aims to engage with European leaders, addressing issues such as the right of return for Armenians and the release of political prisoners held by Azerbaijan.
Canada’s involvement in advocating for human rights in the region has drawn attention, with calls for the release of political prisoners and support for refugees. The potential for defense cooperation with Armenia is also highlighted, with experts suggesting closer engagement in military education and modernization efforts.
Armenia hosting the summit symbolizes its distancing from Russia and a move towards broader international partnerships. The summit serves as a diplomatic message to assert autonomy and interests, notably in the face of geopolitical tensions in the region.
