During the discussion of implementing the Government’s plan for 2022 at the National Assembly, Armenian PM Nikol Pashinyan addressed various topics during his speech, including the peace agenda, the country’s relationship with Turkey, and the ongoing army reforms.

Referring to the normalization of relations with Turkey, Nikol Pashinyan emphasized that there is a significant opportunity to establish mutually beneficial and normalized relations. Pashinyan said that the opportunity for improved relations increased when the decision was made to respond to the devastating earthquake that hit Turkey at the beginning of the year with a humane and good-neighborly approach based on shared values.

“The dozens of Armenian flags flying in front of the Turkish Foreign Ministry during Armenian FM Mirzoyan’s visit to Ankara were not simply a protocol attribute. Armenian and Turkish flags were hoisted on the ruins of our relations and the devastating earthquake. And I hope that the Armenian-Turkish border will soon be opened and will create the foundation for developing good-neighborly, normal relations, " PM Pashinyan added.

Pashinyan emphasized the agreement's significance in opening the border for third-country citizens and diplomatic passport holders. He also cautioned that the implementation of the deal could be at risk if the positive perceptions and impressions gained through humanitarian and neighborly values were to stagnate or lose their impact on political and diplomatic decision-making.

“Of course, peace also depends on us and our positions, and it is my sincere desire to do everything possible to sign a peace agreement with Azerbaijan as soon as possible," he outlined.

While referring to the relations with Azerbaijan, the Armenian PM stressed that Azerbaijan is still “in euphoria” and strives to “take a lot, and if possible, everything.”