News - Expert Analysis: Turkey's Support for Armenia's Pashinyan

Thomas de Waal, renowned for his expertise on Caucasus affairs, recently discussed on NEWS.am the multifaceted relationship between Turkey and Armenia under the leadership of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. According to de Waal, Turkey views Pashinyan as an ideal partner, largely due to his openness to dialogue and reformative approach. This stance aligns with Turkey's broader regional ambitions, which include significant projects like opening its border with Armenia to foster improved bilateral relations and economic cooperation. However, he stated that Ankara's initiatives are contingent upon receiving positive signals from Baku, underlining the complex geopolitics at play. De Waal further examined the internal pressures Armenia faces as it gears up for crucial elections. He asserted that these elections are effectively a referendum on Armenia's foreign policy direction, heavily influenced by external actors such as Turkey and Azerbaijan. This makes the electoral process not only a domestic political event but also a critical juncture in Armenia's international relations. Furthermore, de Waal expressed skepticism regarding Azerbaijan's demands for constitutional changes within Armenia. He suggested that any such changes would face significant political resistance and could undermine the existing administrative framework. Overall, de Waal's insights provide a comprehensive perspective on the dynamic geopolitical landscape and its implications for the region's future.