Armenian Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Vahan Kostanyan took part in an open discussion titled “Reframing Foreign Policy: Integrating Trade, Diplomacy and National Resilience” during the Comprehensive Security and Resilience international conference organized by the Women and Global Security Architecture think tank.
Kostanyan described how Armenia’s foreign policy priorities have evolved over time. He said that in the past, the agenda was largely focused on one or two directions and was essentially centered on conflict management.
In recent years, however, those priorities and directions have broadened. According to the deputy minister, Armenia’s foreign policy agenda is now more future-oriented, based on the country’s interests and shaped with geopolitical realities in mind.
He also pointed to work being carried out across a range of areas, including under the ministry’s new international trade mandate. In his account, the trade dimension has become an important practical component of foreign policy.
Speaking about strategic partnerships, Kostanyan said they are now built not only on historical ties and traditionally warm relations, but also on mutually beneficial programs and initiatives rooted in clear political and economic interests. In that context, he presented concrete and measurable results achieved through strategic partnerships with various countries.
In response to the moderator’s questions, Kostanyan also addressed the normalization process between Armenia and Turkey. He outlined progress in implementing the TRIPP project, referring both to domestic processes and to ongoing discussions with U.S. partners.
The report also recalls earlier remarks by Armenian Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Ararat Mirzoyan. He said the ministry had previously pursued a foreign policy centered on conflict and genocide recognition, describing it as “a foreign policy of martyrdom.” Mirzoyan contrasted that with a different direction focused on living and making life safer.
