In a significant diplomatic move, Prime Minister Mark Carney of Canada met with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan in Yerevan on Sunday, just before the European Political Community summit. This gathering focuses on critical areas of political cooperation, security, and infrastructure development. Notably, Canada stands as the first non-European nation to participate in this forum, which has convened biannually since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, including representatives from EU member states and other nations such as Iceland, Turkey, and Ukraine.
A Crucial Moment for Europe
During their meeting, Carney expressed gratitude to Pashinyan for the invitation, highlighting the summit’s timeliness amid pressing challenges facing Europe and its core values. According to the Prime Minister’s Office, the visit aims to bolster Ukraine’s defence and foster increased trade and investment across the continent. Carney’s agenda included a request from European Parliament President Roberta Metsola to address the assembly, to which he readily agreed.
The Prime Minister’s itinerary in Yerevan extends until Monday, with plans for bilateral discussions with several world leaders during the summit. Notably, he held a meeting with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, during which they reflected on the robust ties between their nations. Tusk remarked, “I’m really happy because our relationship and our friendship can be a role model for all our friends.” Carney concurred, underscoring the significance of a unified approach towards supporting Ukraine.
Meeting with Key Leaders
Carney’s schedule also included meetings with prominent figures such as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, alongside discussions with Metsola. Furthermore, he is set to participate in a trilateral meeting with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Antonio Costa, President of the European Council. Accompanying him is Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand, who is also engaging in various diplomatic activities.
However, Jean-François Ratelle, an expert in international studies at the University of Ottawa, expressed concern regarding the current direction of Canada’s foreign policy in the region. He noted that this visit appears to signal a departure from Canada’s previous advocacy for democracy and peace in Armenia. “We are witnessing a complete change of our foreign policy,” Ratelle commented, suggesting that the focus has shifted to self-interest rather than a commitment to upholding democratic norms.
Historical Context and Recent Developments
The backdrop of this meeting is rooted in the long-standing conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the Nagorno-Karabakh region, which has been a point of contention since the dissolution of the Soviet Union. Despite international recognition of the area as part of Azerbaijan, its population is predominantly ethnic Armenian. The conflict has escalated recently, particularly following the reduction of Russian peacekeepers after the invasion of Ukraine. In 2023, a military campaign by Azerbaijan led to the evacuation of over 100,000 people from Nagorno-Karabakh, coinciding with Canada’s establishment of an embassy in Yerevan.
Historically, Canada has condemned Azerbaijan’s military actions and has participated in EU security initiatives. Ottawa even halted military exports to Turkey, concerned about the transfer of Canadian components to Azerbaijan for use in the ongoing conflict. Yet, Ratelle indicates that since Carney’s appointment, there has been a noticeable decline in diplomatic efforts aimed at supporting Armenia’s fragile democracy.
Reflecting on his inaugural visit to Armenia, Carney acknowledged that he had never previously set foot in the country, marking a stark contrast to his predecessor, Justin Trudeau, who last visited during the Francophonie summit in 2018. This current visit comes as Canada seeks to strengthen its trade relations with nations such as Turkey, with Carney expected to attend the NATO summit in July.
Prospects for Future Relations
Achim Hurrelmann, co-director of the Centre for European Studies at Carleton University, has speculated that Carney’s participation in the summit may primarily focus on advancing defence procurement agreements with Europe. He suggested that the Prime Minister’s primary interest lies in fostering connections with EU leaders, as well as those from Ukraine and the UK, to facilitate the implementation of joint initiatives.
Why it Matters
This diplomatic engagement by Canada in Armenia signals a potential shift in the nation’s foreign policy priorities amidst a complex geopolitical landscape. As global tensions continue to rise, particularly in Eastern Europe, how Canada navigates its relationships in the region could have profound implications for its role on the world stage. The extent to which Carney prioritises humanitarian advocacy alongside economic interests will be crucial in shaping Canada’s legacy in supporting democracy and peace in Armenia and beyond.