Pashinyan: Armenia and the Diaspora Should Be Partners, Not Advisers to One Another

YEREVAN — Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said he envisions a new format for Armenia-Diaspora relations based not on mutual advice or assistance, but on partnership around Armenia’s development agenda.

Speaking to reporters, Pashinyan cited the Firebird AI initiative, TUMO and the Children of Armenia Fund, or COAF, as examples of the type of cooperation he supports.

Addressing recent discussions around the phrase “a strong Diaspora means a strong Armenia,” Pashinyan first questioned what exactly is meant by the term “strong Diaspora.”

He said Armenia’s immigration policy is already producing results and expressed hope that, for a second consecutive year, the country may record net immigration rather than net emigration.

Pashinyan said some of the past difficulties in Armenia-Diaspora relations were also connected to an incomplete understanding of the nature of statehood and international relations.

According to the prime minister, such misunderstandings can create tension in relations.

He also discussed the Diaspora’s influence on Armenia’s relations with other countries, noting that this influence can work in more than one direction.

Referring to previous forms of economic assistance from the Diaspora, Pashinyan again mentioned the practice of sending used goods to Armenia as an example of an outdated approach.

He said the preferred model for current Armenia-Diaspora relations should instead focus on participation in development projects.

According to Pashinyan, the government is ready for deep cooperation with initiatives that align with Armenia’s state agenda and the government’s strategic priorities.