Pashinyan outlines new model of Armenia-Diaspora relations

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said he views the new model of Armenia-Diaspora relations not in “mutual mentorship or assistance,” but in partnership around Armenia’s development agenda.

Pashinyan highlighted the programs of Firebird AI, TUMO, and the Children of Armenia Charitable Fund (COAF) as examples of such cooperation.

Addressing recent discussions around the formula “A strong Diaspora means a strong Armenia,” the Prime Minister first raised the question of what is meant by a “strong Diaspora.”

“What do we mean, first of all, by a strong Diaspora? Do we mean that the number of Armenians in the Diaspora should increase? In the case of an increase in the number of Armenians in the Diaspora, it is difficult to imagine how Armenia could become stronger, because the number of Armenians in the Diaspora can increase only as a result of emigration from Armenia. But our policy is immigration [return migration],” Pashinyan said at a press briefing when asked about the matter.

According to him, the immigration policy is already producing results, and there is a possibility that Armenia will record an immigration trend for the second consecutive year instead of emigration.

Pashinyan also linked some of the problems that previously existed in Armenia-Diaspora relations to an incomplete understanding of the nature of the state and international relations.

“When we say Diaspora, we often forget that we are talking about another country. When we say that we will do this or that there, we forget that we are talking about the territory of another country. Is it acceptable to that country for the government of another country to go and implement programs and manage processes? That is a consequence of our lack of understanding of the concept of the state and international relations,” the Prime Minister said.

In his assessment, such an understanding can also create a basis for tensions in relations.

“Armenia is not the mentor of the Diaspora, should not be and cannot be. The Diaspora cannot be the mentor of Armenia either,” Pashinyan stressed.

The Prime Minister also spoke about the Diaspora’s influence in Armenia’s relations with other countries, noting that this influence can be bilateral.

“We think that the Diaspora is a means for Armenia to have influence in that country, but the opposite is also true, and we have seen that recently. The Diaspora becomes a means for that country to exert influence on Armenia,” Pashinyan said.

Addressing previous forms of economic assistance from the Diaspora, the Prime Minister again mentioned the issue of used goods being sent to Armenia.

“We do not need ‘second-hand’ goods. And this page needs to be closed. But that does not mean that we do not appreciate the times when, among other things, we needed ‘second-hand’ clothing and the Diaspora supplied it to us. We are not ungrateful, and we appreciate it. There was a time when we needed soy, and we also needed ‘second-hand’ clothing. What I am saying is that a qualitative change needs to take place,” Pashinyan noted.

According to the Prime Minister, the currently desired model of Armenia-Diaspora relations is participation in development programs.

“Armenia-Diaspora relations for me are the Firebird project. But before Firebird, we have TUMO. For me, one of the most important points of Armenia-Diaspora relations is TUMO. Or the activities of the COAF Foundation in Armenia. Both organizations already have a very large and very important contribution to Armenia’s development,” he said.

According to Pashinyan, his administration is ready for deep cooperation with initiatives that align with Armenia’s state agenda and the Government’s strategy.

“That is how we envision our relations with the Diaspora—as a development agenda. We are grateful for and highly appreciate all those initiatives that, first of all, align with Armenia’s state agenda and with the Government’s strategy. We have very deep cooperation and a great sense of gratitude toward these organizations,” the Prime Minister concluded.