The Armenian government plans over the next five years to formalise peace with Azerbaijan, establish diplomatic relations with Turkey and simultaneously deepen cooperation with the European Union and the United States. These goals are included in the government’s 2026–2031 programme presented by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, Armenian media report.

One of the key priorities is the normalisation of relations with Azerbaijan. Yerevan plans to continue the delimitation of the border, secure the signing of a peace agreement and other documents formalising relations between the two countries, and expand contacts between business and civil society representatives.

In relations with Turkey, the government aims to establish diplomatic ties and open the land border. It plans to launch at least two modern border crossings. On the Armenian side, the Margara checkpoint is already ready to operate. The programme also calls for the restoration of energy infrastructure between the two countries.

The programme places particular emphasis on cooperation with the West. Armenia intends to deepen its strategic partnership with the European Union and the United States. In relations with the EU, Yerevan will continue to bring its economic, legal and social standards closer to European ones and also aims to complete the visa liberalisation process.

With the United States, the government intends to develop cooperation under previously signed memorandums and implement the TRIPP project (Zangezur Corridor), particularly in the railway and energy sectors. Armenia’s strategic partnership with France is to be brought to a “qualitatively new level”.

Russia, meanwhile, is not described as a strategic partner in the programme. The government said it intends to reorganise and deepen its “multifaceted and mutually beneficial partnership” with Moscow in light of new conditions in the region. Within the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), Yerevan advocates ensuring the free movement of goods, services, capital and labour.

With Iran, Armenia intends to deepen strategic relations, including in the energy sector, and develop the Persian Gulf–Black Sea transport corridor. The government also plans to strengthen its strategic partnership with China, expand ties with India and Middle Eastern countries, and implement the declaration on strategic partnership with Georgia.

In the defence sector, the programme envisages further transition to a professional army and strengthening the reserve. The armed forces, except when participating in international missions, should not be used outside Armenia’s internationally recognised borders. Border protection is to be gradually transferred to the border guard troops.

A separate section of the programme addresses “spiritual security”. The government says it intends to counter attempts by external forces to use the Armenian Apostolic Church as an “instrument of hybrid warfare”.