YEREVAN — Hambik Sarafian, Chairman of the Central Committee of the Social Democrat Hunchakian Party (SDHP), has described the Armenian government’s current foreign policy as pragmatic and multipolar, arguing that Armenia’s security can best be strengthened by developing strategic and mutually beneficial relations with a range of countries.
In an interview with Armenpress, Sarafian addressed several issues currently prominent on Armenia’s foreign policy agenda.
“What Armenia’s political leadership is doing today is entirely correct and practical, and it is also multipolar. We cannot envision another way of resolving our problems and achieving our objectives under the present circumstances,” Sarafian said.
He welcomed the international community’s growing interest in Armenia, noting that the country now has opportunities that were not available in the past.
“Previously, the international community did not demonstrate sufficient economic interest in Armenia. The continued development of relations with the United States and European countries is particularly encouraging,” he said.
Sarafian said Armenia is regarded as a friendly country in the United States by both Republicans and Democrats. He added that bilateral relations have changed significantly and favorably during U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration.
According to Sarafian, considerable progress has been made toward regional peace and, particularly, in expanding economic opportunities.
“Trump’s interest in the ‘Crossroads of Peace’ initiative is evident, based on the understanding that peace serves the interests of the countries of the region as well as international partners. There are, of course, great expectations associated with TRIPP. It is encouraging that concrete steps have already been taken and that previously reached agreements have not remained merely on paper. TRIPP is also a guarantee of our security,” Sarafian said.
Considering the principles shaping contemporary international relations, Sarafian argued that Armenia’s strongest security guarantee could be the development of strategic and mutually beneficial relationships with several countries.
“First and foremost, we must find common ground with our immediate neighbors, regardless of the nature of our relations with them. At the same time, we must pursue a proactive policy, because only in this way can we demonstrate to our partners that mutually beneficial bilateral cooperation serves their interests as well,” he said.
Sarafian also expressed optimism about Armenia’s future.
“Today, our homeland is on an upward trajectory. Armenia, like every country, has many problems, but our homeland is unquestionably moving forward. We are encouraged by Armenia, and we hope the day will come when there will be significant repatriation and when we will no longer have to worry that Diaspora Armenians may assimilate and lose their identity,” he said.
The interview also addressed the recently held 23rd Congress of the Social Democrat Hunchakian Party, including the major issues discussed and resolutions adopted during the gathering.
