Armenia is Europe, but Russia is Our Ally: Zohrab Mnatsakanyan

“Armenia is Europe, but at the same time, Russia is our ally,” said Armenia’s Foreign Minister Zohrab Mnatsakanyan in an interview with EFE. He admitted that this balance is very challenging for any country, but it is vital for Armenia's security as it faces Azerbaijan and has adversarial relations with Turkey.

“They say we are riding two horses at the same time. No. We are riding one horse – Armenia's horse,” the minister assured during the video conference interview.

Mnatsakanyan emphasized that the main axis of Armenia's foreign policy is not to build relationships with one partner at the expense of the other, as this “irresponsible” activity would only increase the “instability” in the region.

“We have very important, allied relations based on many common interests with Russia,” he noted, mentioning security as a key area since Russia has a military base in the territory of this Caucasian country.

The minister also stressed that Yerevan has unique relations with several EU member states, from France to Greece, while Brussels contributes to the development of democratic values and the rule of law in a country that experienced a peaceful revolution in 2018.

“The European Union is an extremely important partner, with cooperation that includes trade, economic, and the strengthening of democratic institutions,” stated the Armenian Foreign Minister.

Zohrab Mnatsakanyan asserted that “Armenia is part of Europe” or, more specifically, “the eastern front of Europe.”

“Some perceive this as a contradiction. Of course, it is a very difficult balance. How to find this balance? However, it is something that stems from Armenia's interests,” he assured.