Within the framework of the official visit to India, the RA Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan gave an interview to the local media in the interview with the agenda of the Armenia-India, which has a great potential for the international platform, but to the regional and international agenda. The interview was shown in the entire indian media. On March 11, the content is below.
"India and Armenia have very close relations. The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia is with us today. Here, in Delhi, he was negotiating with the Foreign Minister. So welcome to Wion. My first question is: How would you describe India-Armenia relations? What spheres of cooperation between the two countries do you see?
Ararat Mirzoyan. Thank you for the invitation. Speaking about the relations between Armenia and India, it should be remembered that these relations, the relations between the peoples of India and Armenia have a history of centuries. Remember that in the 18th century there was a lively Armenian community, intellectuals, traders, which contributed to India's global positioning in terms of trade and economy, and had a huge investment in cultural prospects in both Armenia and India.
It is interesting to know that, for example, the first attempt to have a written Constitution of the Future Republic of Armenia has been made, it was written in India. The first Armenian published newspaper was published in India, in Madras.
Since then, political dialogue has developed, as well as in various fields, and especially since the last 3-4 years we have significantly improving relations, we have very intense political visits between our ministries, including ministers. We also meet within the framework of the Intergovernmental Commission on Cooperation, where we celebrate the spheres and concrete steps that we can implement bilateral. So, if you ask how I would describe the relationship, they are very close and friendly relations that are developing.
Question: Let's talk about the meeting you had here in Delhi. We saw you and Indian Foreign Minister Dr. S. Meeting between Jayshankar. What were the conversations like? What were their main results and the main results of your visit to your visit?
Ararat Mirzoyan. First of all, we had the opportunity to appreciate what has already been done, how our previous agreements have been implemented, as well as to speak about possible future and potential programs and cooperation.
Question: Let's talk about defensive relationships, relationships that are developing. You have also received systems from India for the past few years, something we have been talking about. So if you can talk about this interaction, how do you mainly increase your defense cooperation with India? There are publications that assume that you have also imported Indian defense equipment. So if you can talk about or give a wider score about this.
Ararat Mirzoyan. It is clear that the defense is one of the areas where we have very close cooperation with India, and I suppose that this cooperation will continue to deepen. But I would like to note that this cooperation is not used by Armenia, particularly in India. You are probably aware that Armenia has a peace agenda, we are involved in peace talks with our Eastern Neighbor, but in general, we are very focused on peace and stability and normalize relations with our neighbors. Thus, we are in our defense, the process of reforming our army, modernizing our army, and the Indian experience in certain areas, as well as the equipment produced in India, is of interest to us. But again, this is to reform the Armenian defense system, and there is no intention to use these systems against any other, third party.
Question: I was getting to that point. We have seen comments from Azerbaijan after the publications that you have introduced defense funds produced in India, especially in-barrica. Thus, if you can talk about the response from Azerbaijan.
Ararat Mirzoyan. Well, I mostly touched upon this topic. Armenia's intention is to modernize its own defense skills, modernizing the defense system as a whole, and the equipment imported from India, but also from other places is aimed to have a better defense army. Armenia has no intention of aggression against any third country.
Question: Communications. This has also been one of the main pillars of relations. I've heard your previous comments where you mentioned the port of Chabrhahari. How do you plan to use the Cabaghahar's port to provide a broader connection with the world and India?
Ararat Mirzoyan. Like any other country, Armenia is also doing its best to have or promote its logistics routes to become part of world transit roads. And in this respect the study of new opportunities is extremely important for Armenia. Moreover, we have been initiated by our own initiative, which, first of all, is unblocking all transport and transit infrastructure of the South Caucasus, especially if we take into account that its implementation will have a positive impact on the three countries in the region. Therefore, we are interested in studying new transit routes, including ports, railways, electricity and internet cables, etc., of course, we first focus on negotiations with Azerbaijan, including Azerbaijan. We have presented a mutually beneficial offer that benefits two countries. At the same time, we continue to talk about the opening of borders with Turkey and restart our railway infrastructure, which will ensure Armenia's connection with Turkey. Thus, within the framework of the "Cross on Peace" initiative, we consider not only the north-south, or if you want the east-west, the direction, if this project is implemented, it will be beneficial for many international actors.
Question: Trade? In general, if you look, its volumes remain small, and what ideas the Armenian side has to increase trade with India. You can talk about this and present the role of the Cabaghahar's port in the context of the expansion of trade between Armenia and India.
Ararat Mirzoyan. If we consider the economic side of our relations, of course, I agree that there is a great unrealized potential here. Our cooperation is much more in other spheres, and we must make additional efforts to make economic and trade potential more efficiently. And here we must talk about logistics, geographical distance, but we also realize that there is still homework to do in this direction.
For example, I remember when I made my first visit to India in 2022, I brought me a group of many Armenian businessmen interested in establishing business ties with Indian counterparts. Today, with Minister Gayshkar, we had the opportunity to discuss the need and possibility of a delegation and opportunity of Indian businessmen to Armenia. I think that this should become a regular process that will contribute to the establishment and development of business relations.
But it can also be understood that we can agree that there are areas where the geographical distance does not play a big role. For example, information technology, high technology, artificial intelligence, I am sure that India is very interested, but not only interested, we both have huge abilities and opportunities here. We have experts, we have potential, both of us, I mean. Thus, we can also cooperate here, and if we get worse, we can clearly find new areas where we can help add numbers. I can bring direct flights between our countries.
There are certain Armenian carriers who are interested in direct flights, and I know that there was talk among Indian carriers. And if there is a direct flight, we understand that it will help not only improve people's contacts, not only to improve cultural ties, but also tourism. It also brings money to both visitors and the host country.
Question: Do you talk about the relationship between people? Now the basis of any relationship is strong relations between people, and for that, tourism and students are important in this relationship. There are many Indian tourists in Armenia, the Foreign Minister also noted and thanked for guaranteeing the security and security of Indian students in Armenia. So how do you present Armenia as a tourist destination and direction for Indian students?
Ararat Mirzoyan. This, by the way, is a very good example. We have had Indian students who are mostly studying medicine, but it is not limited to medicine. For more than a decade, we have already seen that interest is growing, and we are very interested in maintaining, having and accepting students from India. But I am also sure that there are universities in India and there are specialties in which Armenian students can be interested in. Thus, most likely, we must multiply our efforts in this area. But I would like to add another layer of this to another nuance to this conversation. Armenia launches a large-scale project, an academic city, where we want to unite several Armenian universities and relevant institutions, but also invite some new authoritative institutions to play a role. And I believe this will attract more students from India. But if we continue to talk about a certain influx, you mentioned the students, I would like to add another group coming to Armenia from India. There is another field where we have noticed some changes over the past few years. We see that there is also labor migration from India to Armenia. We didn't have this experience years ago.
Question: Do you mean illegal migration?
Ararat Mirzoyan. No, we are talking about legitimate migration. And we see that there is a demand for Armenia, but this is one of the areas that must be resolved. Today we had the opportunity to exchange views on this issue with Minister Gayshkar.
Question: In fact, you say you want more Indians, particularly qualified specialists, will come to Armenia, which will contribute to the development of your economy. I understand correctly.
Ararat Mirzoyan. I would make it a little differently. We are ready to involve labor force from India, but which can be in line with both the Armenian economy and the Armenian labor market. So there is a demand, but it must be settled. By the way, the goal of the settlement not only is to set how much workforce can be moved from country to country, but also ensure that the rights of all labor migrants are protected.
Question: Now let's talk about international situation and talk about how two countries cooperate at the international level. How do you assess India's support for Armenia when you encounter many problems with your neighbors, especially Azerbaijan? So how would you assess India's role and support in the South Caucasus?
Ararat Mirzoyan. Touching upon cooperation between Armenia and India on international platforms, I must mention that we have very close cooperation here. We support each other's candidates, we often help each other's initiatives on various international platforms. What about the normalization of relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan? If we succeed, first of all, the processing of the contract will be completed, and then sign it, it will be one of the strongest pillars of peace and stability in the South Caucasus. And this also comes to fill the other steps, negotiations and agreements we already have with Azerbaijan. For example, only a few months ago we managed to sign and then ratify the regulations of the border committees on the demarcation process between the two countries. I had the opportunity to indicate our proposal on the unblocking of transport infrastructure in the region. And I can also add that Armenia has offered Azerbaijan to create mutual control of weapons and to create a ventilation mechanism. Thus, all these tools can help us to confirm long-lasting and stable peace in our region. All countries can play a positive role, welcoming the constructive steps of both sides, two countries. On the other hand, of course, I must mention that the agreements we have already reached with Azerbaijan have been reached through direct bilateral talks. I hope we will achieve that goal soon.
Question: It is a very optimistic approach, and now we will touch upon the Indian subcontinent. One of the biggest concerns for India is cross-border terrorism from Pakistan. What about it? Given that Pakistan continues to occupy the area of Kashmir. What is your position on this issue?
Ararat Mirzoyan. Armenia's position is very well known and has not changed over the years. We support India's position and perception of Jammu and Kashmir. And we will only welcome any positive and peaceful progress here.
Question: What about cross-border terrorism? Because it's a serious problem for India. India has always spoken about terrorism and actively cooperates with other countries in combating terrorism.
Ararat Mirzoyan. Armenia condemns terrorism in all its manifestations and in all the corners of the world. We have had painful experience ourselves in connection with the involvement of mercenaries in the conflicts in our region. That's why, as I have already said, we condemn terrorism. We see that terrorism can affect regional processes if it is supported by some countries.
Question: You mentioned the hireling terrorists. You can detail a little.
Ararat Mirzoyan. I have already mentioned that we have painful experience in terms of the involvement of hiring terrorists during the conflicts in our region.
Question: Let's talk about multilateral organizations, in particular the United Nations. India calls on reforms in the UN Security Council. What do you think about it? Do you support India's candidacy in the UN Security Council? And the BRICS. You have already been an observer during several meetings. Would you like to be a member of Brix?
Ararat Mirzoyan. Unfortunately, we see that today all the mechanisms within the United Nations, as well as mechanisms operating outside the UN, are not enough and do not guarantee the prevention, management or termination of conflicts in different parts of the world. It becomes more and more obvious that the UN system is likely to have some reforms. We know India's approach and position and support that approach.
Question: And Brics.
Ararat Mirzoyan. Yes, we have participated in the work of Briks, as well as Shanghai Cooperation Organization. You asked about Bricks, and we continue to be interested in having an observer status in this organization and consider what this cooperation and format can bring to our region.
Question: Perhaps you express your opinion on normalization of relations between Armenia and Turkey, if you can talk about it, and about Armenia's relations with Iran, which are quite good. In general, for our viewers, if you can give a wider image of Iran about relations with Iran, because Iran is close to the neighbor for India. There are coincidences, there is also trilateral cooperation, which works very well. If you can talk about these two aspects.
Ararat Mirzoyan. Armenia has four neighbors. Our Eastern Neighbor is Azerbaijan, with whom we try to establish peace and interstate relations, turning the premium of hostility in the region. Our Western neighbor is Turkey with whom Armenia's borders have been closed for more than three decades. At the moment, we are a dynamic dialogue with Turkey, which aims to establish diplomatic relations between the two countries and the opening of borders. So far we have been able to take some small but tangible steps, but a number of agreements have not yet been agreed that the border must first be opened for those with the diplomatic passport of third countries, as well as the Armenian and Turkish diplomatic passport.
The last point has not been called to life yet, but we continue to dialogue. And once again, if relations are fully normalized, it will be beneficial not only for two countries, but also a number of other actors outside the region. We have had very good relations with our other two neighbors, in the north, Georgia and the south, and have been focused on the deepening of those ties. We understand that you are particularly interested in relations with Iran, because from a geographical point of view, when we look at India and Armenia, we are trying to deepen our ties. Of course, we need to pay attention to the countries that are between us. " And Iran is undoubtedly the country with which we have great interest in deepening cooperation, including in the trilateral format you mentioned.
Question: How do you assess the current global situation? There are two major conflicts in the world, but some preconditions for ceasefire are already visible. The Trump administration is in power in the United States. In Ukraine, it seems that peace can be established soon, the same can be said about West Asia. What principles are Armenia's foreign policy guided by these major processes that shake the whole world in recent years?
Ararat Mirzoyan. How can you conclude from my previous words? Armenia is very focused on the construction of peace, of course, building peace for Armenia, the South Caucasus, our neighbors. But we also believe that peace is the only solution to all other countries in the world. And here I would like to separate and focus on two separate directions.
First of all, the humanitarian direction. I mean, human suffering, be it in Armenia, be in Ukraine, be in Syria, wherever you mention it is unacceptable. The gross violations of human rights, be in anywhere in the world, are unacceptable. Hope you agree. And the second layer. For Armenia's interests, we are very interested in peace in Ukraine, Syria and the Middle East. Peace is the only way to continue the nations to continue cooperation, deepen their cooperation, trade with each other and benefit from each other. "
