Yerevan: Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan Sunday expressed his hopes for the normalization of relations with Trkiye and the establishment of diplomatic ties, state news agency Armenpress reported. Speaking with journalists after casting his ballot in the country’s parliamentary elections, he expressed confidence that the border with Trkiye, as well as railway and road communications, will open in the near future.

According to Anadolu Agency, Pashinyan highlighted Armenia’s “Crossroads of Peace” initiative, saying it could transform the region by expanding east-west and north-south transport routes benefiting Armenia, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Trkiye, and Iran. Armenia opened polling stations on Sunday at 8 am local time (0400GMT) for voting in the parliamentary elections. Sixteen political parties and two political alliances have registered to take part in the election, including the Civil Contract, led by Pashinyan.

Pashinyan also stated that Yerevan will deepen EU integration and continue a ‘balanced foreign policy’ after the elections. He underlined that Armenia will continue the process of alignment with EU standards. He mentioned two scenarios regarding EU integration: the first being Armenia’s acceptance as a full EU member, and the second being non-membership due to various political circumstances. In both scenarios, Armenia stands to benefit from alignment with European standards.

Addressing the balancing of relations between the EU and Russia, Pashinyan affirmed his commitment to a balanced foreign policy. He dismissed claims of tension with Russia as ‘artificial,’ attributing them to certain internal forces in Armenia. Pashinyan emphasized his close relations with the president of the Russian Federation, which he believes prevents the creation of actual tensions.