The Armenian Foreign Ministry has announced that a strategic partnership agreement between Armenia and the United States will be signed today in Washington. Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan and US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken are scheduled to sign the agreement on January 14.
As the Biden administration’s tenure draws to a close, this development raises questions about its motivations and implications for the region.
Elkhan Shahinoglu, Chairman of the Atlas Research Center (ATLASSAM), shared his insights on the matter with Azernews. He noted that the timing of the visit seems illogical at first glance, as Anthony Blinken will soon be replaced by a new Secretary of State following Donald Trump’s inauguration on January 20. Shahinoglu suggested that Armenia might be seeking to secure an agreement with the outgoing administration to ensure continuity, fearing that the Trump administration may strengthen ties with Azerbaijan in the South Caucasus.
This development underscores Armenia’s attempt to secure guarantees amid regional uncertainties and potential shifts in US foreign policy under a new administration. Whether this agreement will influence the balance of power in the South Caucasus remains to be seen.
Daria Grevchova, Deputy Director of the Institute of Political Studies (Russia), also shared her insights. She expressed concerns that the agreement could create a real threat in the region, as it represents the projection of US power in the South Caucasus. Grevchova warned that Armenia might try to attract the United States to its side, potentially leading to provocations aimed at undermining relations between the US and Azerbaijan.
Grevchova emphasized that the signing of such agreements with a strong partner that opposes Russia could lead to increased tensions and instability in the region. She cautioned that this behavior might result in an arms race, military buildup, and various provocations, ultimately destabilizing the region.
Leave a Reply