Pashinyan’s visit highlights Armenia’s strategic shift, analyst

The official visit of Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan to Georgia carries significant implications, particularly as Armenia is undergoing a historic transformation, analysts say.

Nino Kalandadze, director of the Chavchavadze Center, noted that the visit underscored Armenia’s emergence as a sovereign state with an independent government capable of pursuing its own geopolitical strategy.

“Pashinyan’s visit is significant in several ways. First, Armenia is on a historic path. The country has a sovereign government and a cabinet pursuing independent policy, which recognizes the geopolitical opportunities shaping Armenia’s future,” Kalandadze said.

She added that the discussions likely touched on the need for Georgia to adopt a pragmatic approach in the current regional context. 

“Armenia is already defining Western contours and the boundaries of Russian influence after the Russia-Ukraine war. Russia will, of course, attempt to extend its influence wherever possible. In these circumstances, it is time for Georgia to pursue pragmatic policies rather than remain dependent on Russia,” Kalandadze explained.

Prime Minister Pashinyan was in Georgia on an official working visit.