Rector of MGIMO Anatoly Torkunov took part this weekend in an online conference "Armenia's geopolitical role in the system of international relations", organized by the Union of Political Scientists of Armenia. In his speech Torkunov stressed that Armenia now is both hostage and the key to the resolution toyy the "frozen" instability in the South Caucasus.
Most of his speech was devoted to the relations of Armenia with the European Union and the future Eurasian Union. In particular, he stressed that it is impossible to sign an association agreement with the EU in the framework of the "Eastern Partnership" without taking into account the complex relations with Armenia's northern neighbors, primarily Russia. The country's commitment to the diversification of the economic and political contacts with the European institutions and the Euro-Atlantic alliance is welcome, but Torkunov noted that they should be part of a general discussion of foreign policy in which the participation of Russia, at least, is appropriate.
In order to strengthen its cooperation with Russia, Armenia could take part in Russia's integration structures. "This will require a new economic thinking, new mutual links with neighbors, including multilateral economic negotiations with the countries of the Customs Union," the rector said. It is important not to forget that the political elites in the country and the population may differ in their preferences.
It is important to note, Torkunov said, that Moscow has not changed its strategic course towards Yerevan, as it might have seemed in light of recent information about large-scale deliveries of Russian weapons to Azerbaijan. "There is a Russian military base in Armenia, which in itself is proof of the strategic cooperation between the two countries. As for Azerbaijan, if this country had not bought weapons from Russia, then certainly it could get them from another country," the Rector of MGIMO underlined.
