Prime Minister Mark Carney is currently on a strategically important visit to Yerevan, Armenia, primarily focused on strengthening ties with European leaders at the European Political Community (EPC) summit.

Focus on European Partnerships

The majority of Carney’s 20-hour trip will be dedicated to meetings with EU counterparts, reinforcing collective security, transatlantic defence readiness, and support for Ukraine. This visit underscores Canada’s commitment to European solidarity and shared values.

Caucasus Region as a Strategic Opportunity

Analysts suggest a significant opportunity exists to deepen Canada’s relationship with Armenia and the wider Caucasus region. This initiative builds upon the groundwork laid by former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who visited Armenia in 2018 during the Francophonie summit.

Armenia's Geopolitical Shift

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan is seeking re-election on a platform of distancing Armenia from Russian influence and pivoting towards the West. This shift is largely a consequence of the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh war and perceived lack of support from Moscow.

The loss of Nagorno-Karabakh, and the resulting refugee crisis, have accelerated Armenia’s westward orientation. Canada has already established a civilian monitoring mission along the Armenia-Azerbaijan border following the 2020 conflict.

Expert Perspectives

International law professor Christopher Waters emphasizes the strategic importance of Armenia for Canada, advocating for increased student exchanges and economic relations. He believes Canada can benefit from a reliable ally in a volatile region seeking alternatives to Russian influence.

Recent diplomatic tensions between the EU and Azerbaijan, stemming from calls for the release of Armenian political prisoners and the right of return for Karabakh refugees, highlight the complex regional dynamics. Carney’s visit offers a chance to navigate these complexities and support Armenia’s democratic aspirations and regional stability.