Armenia, a member of Russia’s Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), has unexpectedly forged a “strategic partnership” with the United Kingdom. This announcement, following an intergovernmental meeting on Monday, signals a significant shift in Armenia’s foreign policy, particularly given the UK’s strained relationship with Moscow.
The timing of this partnership is noteworthy, coinciding with significant domestic unrest in Armenia. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan is facing challenges related to the arrests of two Armenian Apostolic Church bishops and a prominent businessman, accused of plotting a coup. These arrests, and the subsequent government crackdown, have sparked widespread protests.
During a meeting with UK Minister of State for Europe and North America, Stephen Doughty, Armenian officials briefed him on the country’s “ongoing democratic transformation.” The new partnership is expected to boost security cooperation and attract British investment to Armenia, offering a potential pathway to economic stability amidst the political upheaval.
This summer’s protests stemmed from a government standoff with the arrested church leaders, who accused Pashinyan of compromising national interests in dealings with Azerbaijan. The arrests also included prominent Russian-Armenian businessman Samvel Karapetyan, whose energy company is now facing nationalization.
Russia, Armenia’s traditional security guarantor and CSTO partner, has largely remained neutral on the internal conflict, describing it as an internal matter. However, the deepening partnership between Armenia and the UK represents a clear divergence from Armenia’s long-standing reliance on Russia for security.
Prime Minister Pashinyan has openly criticized Russia for failing to adequately protect Armenian interests during border clashes with Azerbaijan, prompting him to seek closer ties with Western nations. This shift has drawn warnings from Moscow, which has cautioned against relying on the West for security, arguing that such an alliance could force Armenia to compromise its traditions and economic ties with other nations.
The establishment of this strategic partnership with the UK marks a significant turning point for Armenia, potentially reshaping its geopolitical landscape and its relationship with its long-time ally, Russia. The coming months will be crucial in observing how this new partnership unfolds and its impact on both Armenia’s domestic stability and its international relations.
