Pashinyan says Armenian people will win election, pledges closer cooperation with Georgia

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said he was confident the Armenian people would be the winners of Sunday's parliamentary election and announced plans for closer cooperation with Georgia.

Speaking to journalists after casting his vote, Pashinyan said Armenia intended to strengthen ties with its northern neighbour.

"We have very good relations with Georgia and there is a strong emotional connection between Armenia and Georgia. There are many political and economic issues on the agenda, so we plan closer cooperation with Georgia. I love Georgia and the Georgian people," he said.

Pashinyan said democracy supports regional and international cooperation and described it as an instrument for regional peace.

He stated that Armenia currently has peaceful relations with Azerbaijan, broad relations with Georgia and expects to establish diplomatic relations with Turkey.

The Armenian Prime Minister also said he expected the opening of the Armenia-Turkey border and the restoration of railway connections between the two countries in the near future.

Pashinyan referred to the "Trump Route" project, saying it would benefit Armenia, Georgia, Azerbaijan and Iran and expand transport connectivity in the region.

Speaking about Armenia's future priorities, he said the country would focus on strengthening independence, statehood, democracy and the rule of law.

"We will continue democratic reforms with the support of our European partners. The European Union is our main partner in the field of democratic reforms and we will continue along this path," Pashinyan said.