U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan solidified a strategic partnership in Yerevan, signing agreements on minerals and a transit corridor. This collaboration occurs before Armenia’s elections, hinting at potential shifts in regional alliances amidst Russian economic pressure.

In a significant diplomatic move, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan cemented a strategic partnership agreement in Yerevan on Tuesday. This development occurs just under two weeks before Armenia’s parliamentary elections, aiming to influence the South Caucasus nation’s geopolitical stance.

The leaders formalized agreements on critical minerals and proposed a vital 43-kilometer transit corridor through southern Armenia, facilitating Azerbaijan’s access to its Nakhchivan exclave and onwards to Turkey, Azerbaijan’s primary regional ally. The signing took place at Yerevan’s Zvartnots International Airport during Rubio’s brief stopover, underscoring the urgency of the diplomatic engagement.

The timing of Rubio’s visit is critical as it precedes a June 7 election where Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s Civil Contract party, advocating closer western ties, faces off against opposition parties with strong pro-Russian leanings. Russia preemptively cautioned Armenia about the potential loss of favorable gas prices should it pivot from Russian integration efforts.

(With inputs from agencies.)