Armenia and Saudi Arabia Forge New Diplomatic Relations
In an exclusive interview with Arab News during his visit to Saudi Arabia, Ararat Mirzoyan, Armenia’s minister for foreign affairs, expressed Armenia’s commitment to drafting a “road map” for the development of diplomatic relations with Saudi Arabia.
The establishment of official diplomatic relations in November last year was just the beginning, according to Mirzoyan. He highlighted the historically friendly relations between Armenia and the Arab world, emphasizing the cultural ties that have existed for years.
During his visit to Riyadh, Mirzoyan met with Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan to discuss deepening cooperation between the two nations. He expressed optimism about the potential for collaboration in various fields such as education, technology, agriculture, and tourism.
Building Bridges Through Diplomacy
Mirzoyan praised the launch of commercial flights between Riyadh and Yerevan by Saudi airline Flynas, which he believes will boost tourism between the two countries. He also commended Saudi Arabia for winning the bid for Expo 2030, a bid supported by Armenia in 2022.
In addition to strengthening bilateral ties, Mirzoyan expressed solidarity with Saudi Arabia on international issues, including supporting a two-state solution and ceasefire in Palestine. Armenia has also provided aid to displaced Palestinian civilians in Rafah, showcasing its commitment to helping war-affected populations.
Promoting Peace in the South Caucasus
Addressing regional conflicts, Mirzoyan emphasized Armenia’s commitment to peace in the South Caucasus. He highlighted the need for respecting sovereignty, equality, and reciprocity to overcome obstacles in the region, particularly regarding border disputes between Armenia and Azerbaijan.
Armenia’s initiative, “Crossroads of Peace,” aims to unblock transport infrastructure in the South Caucasus to promote economic development and stability. Mirzoyan believes this initiative could have global implications, connecting various regions and fostering peace.
Armenia’s Shifting Diplomatic Landscape
As Armenia navigates its diplomatic relationships, Mirzoyan acknowledged the complexities in its ties with Russia and the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO). Armenia’s application for EU candidacy is under discussion, signaling a shift towards closer partnerships with the EU and the US.
Despite challenges, Armenia remains committed to strengthening its diplomatic ties with Saudi Arabia and other nations, fostering cooperation in various sectors and promoting peace and stability in the region.