Prime Minister Mark Carney Meets Armenian Leader Before Summit

May 4 2026

Prime Minister Mark Carney arrived in Yerevan on Sunday, May 3, 2026, for a high-level meeting with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. The bilateral talks preceded the upcoming European Political Community summit, where leaders plan to address critical regional issues.

The discussions between the two heads of government focused on enhancing strategic cooperation across several key sectors. According to report from thestar.com, the agenda specifically highlighted improvements in political alignment, security frameworks, and regional infrastructure development.

The discussions between the two heads of government focused on enhancing strategic cooperation across several key sectors. According to report from thestar.com, the agenda specifically highlighted improvements in political alignment, security frameworks, and regional infrastructure development.

The gathering serves as a precursor to the broader European Political Community summit. This international forum serves as a platform for coordinated efforts among member states and invited partners to stabilize and secure the European continent through shared initiatives.

Canada holds a unique position in these proceedings as the first non-European nation to participate in the summit. The meetings were established as a biannual event following the full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russia in 2022 to foster broader continental security.

The summit brings together a diverse group of stakeholders, including all European Union member states. Other participating nations include Iceland, Turkey, and Ukraine, reflecting the organization’s expansive reach across the geographic and political landscape of Europe.

Turkish Press: Türkiye, Armenia sign deal to restore historic Ani Bridge amid

Anadolu Agency, Turkey
May 4 2026
Memorandum of understanding on bridge is example of ‘symbolic and concrete cooperation’ that can help build ‘lasting peace and an environment of trust,’ says Turkish Vice President Cevdet Yilmaz
Aysu Biçer
YEREVAN

Türkiye and Armenia on Monday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to jointly restore the ancient Ani Bridge, in a move described as a step towards strengthening ties between the two countries.

The agreement was announced following a meeting between Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Turkish Vice President Cevdet Yilmaz on the sidelines of the 8th European Political Community Summit in Yerevan, Armenia’s capital.

Under the deal, Türkiye’s special envoy for the normalization process with Armenia, Serdar Kilic and Yerevan’s envoy for the normalization of relations with Ankara, Ruben Rubinyan, signed the MoU on behalf of both sides.

The restoration project will focus on the historic Ani Bridge, which lies on the border between Armenia and Türkiye.

In a statement posted on Turkish social media platform NSosyal, Yilmaz said the two sides had “comprehensively evaluated” bilateral relations and discussed potential cooperation in areas, including transport, customs, energy, and digital infrastructure.

He said the agreement on the bridge is an example of “symbolic and concrete cooperation” that can help build “lasting peace and an environment of trust.”

Yilmaz added that Ankara will continue its efforts towards normalization with Yerevan, aimed at increasing economic cooperation and strengthening people-to-people contacts across the South Caucasus region.

Türkiye is being represented at its highest level since 2008 by Vice President Cevdet Yilmaz, reflecting growing momentum in Türkiye’s normalization process with Armenia.

Relations between the two are seeing one of their most active periods since the 1990s, thanks to the normalization steps taken in recent years.

Poking the bear? Armenia welcomes European leaders in Russia’s backyard

France 24
May 4 2026

Just as Europe frets over fresh Trump tariffs, a U-S troop drawdown announced for Germany and the message it sends to a hostile Russia…how about not one, but two summits in former Soviet state Armenia. Before a first-ever gathering of EU leaders in Yerevan Tuesday, the European Politicial Community – a talk shop with regional players which also includes Ukraine and many NATO heavyweights like the UK, Norway and an outside guest who shares superpower proximity problems.

We’ll revisit Canadian prime minister Mark Carney’s clarion call for so-called middle powers that share common interests and values to band together. Show of strength or provocation sure to rile both Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump one month before Armenia’s incumbent prime minister Nikol Pashinyan goes before voters to sell his US-brokered peace deal with neighboring Azerbaijan in a general election. More broadly, do wars in Iran and Ukrairne make western-style liberal democracy an easier or harder sell?

Produced by François Picard, Rebecca Gnignati, Juliette Laffont, Ilayda Habip, Andrew Hilliar.

Our guests

  • Richard WERLYFrance/Europe correspondent for Blick
  • Richard GIRAGOSIANDirector, Regional Studies Center
  • Marie KRPATAResearch Fellow, Study Committee on Franco-German Relations, Ifri
  • Thorniké GORDADZEFormer Minister for European Integration of Georgia
  • https://www.france24.com/en/tv-shows/the-debate/20260504-poking-the-bear-armenia-welcomes-european-leaders-in-russia-s-backyard

Armenia, UK sign strategic partnership deal

Daily Times, Pakistan
May 4 2026

Armenia and the United Kingdom have signed a new strategic partnership agreement aimed at strengthening political, economic, and security cooperation between the two countries. The deal was signed during Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s meeting with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer in Yerevan.

The Joint Declaration on Strategic Partnership marks a new phase in bilateral relations, with both sides emphasizing shared democratic values and deeper collaboration. Officials said the agreement is intended to expand cooperation in areas such as trade, governance, education, and regional security.

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan described the agreement as the beginning of a “new and promising chapter” in Armenia-UK relations. He highlighted that the partnership is built on mutual trust and a commitment to strengthening long-term ties between the two countries.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s visit to Armenia took place ahead of the European Political Community (EPC) Summit. British officials said the agreement reflects London’s broader strategy to deepen engagement with partners in the region amid shifting global geopolitical dynamics.

The signing comes at a time of increased diplomatic activity involving European and regional powers. Analysts say the partnership could enhance Armenia’s international cooperation while expanding the UK’s influence in the South Caucasus region.

Armenia advances stability and connectivity agenda: Pashinyan

Read the article in: فارسی, Armenian, Georgian, Russian

Armenia continues to advance initiatives for regional stability and the expansion of ties, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said.

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan summarized the main directions of the discussions within the framework of the joint statement following the results of the 8th Summit of the European Political Community.

“I am pleased to announce that the 8th Summit of the European Political Community has successfully concluded today in Yerevan, bringing together leaders from across the continent and beyond,” said the Prime Minister.

The Prime Minister thanked the European Union and partners for organizing the summit.

“I would like to express my sincere appreciation to the European Union for its close cooperation and partnership in co-organizing the summit, as well as to partners beyond the continent for expanding the geography of this format. I also acknowledge the remote participation of the President of Azerbaijan and the presence of the Vice President of Türkiye, in line with peace development and regional cooperation.”

According to him, the discussions confirmed the need for dialogue.

“Today’s discussions confirmed that with the growing challenges in the world, there is a need for sincere dialogue and practical decisions to expand peace and stability across regions. We focused on security and stability, connectivity, regional cooperation, economic resilience, energy, and the green transition.”

The Prime Minister stressed the importance of connectivity.

“No doubt connectivity is central to economic security, resilience, and long-term stability across the continent. Strengthening interconnections while advancing climate and energy goals was recognized as a shared and common priority. Discussions further underlined the importance of regional cooperation and the potential of open, integrated, and connected regions to contribute to wider intercontinental links.”

Regarding the South Caucasus, Pashinyan noted that they also addressed the importance of advancing peace and stability in the South Caucasus.

“Lasting peace, the normalization of relations, and the opening of borders would not only benefit the region, but also strengthen connectivity and cooperation across the wider European space and beyond,” Pashinyan said.

“We also discussed the need for democracies to effectively counter hybrid threats.”

“Armenia remains committed to promoting initiatives that enhance inclusive connectivity and foster stability in the wider region. The summit reaffirmed that the European Political Community is not only a format for dialogue, but also a platform for building trust and shaping a more coordinated and forward-looking European agenda.”

Pashinyan expressed confidence that the discussions held in Yerevan will have a lasting impact.

“I am confident that the discussions in Yerevan will go beyond the framework of this summit, shaping our future cooperation and common understanding on the continent,” the Prime Minister said.

At the end of his speech, he wished success to the Irish Prime Minister as the host of the next summit.

“I wish you all the best in maintaining this strong momentum and synergy,” he said.

The Prime Minister also thanked the media and the President of the European Council for their support in holding the summit.

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Yerevan EPC Summit to be remembered as a ‘summit of peace in the Caucasus’ –

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President of the European Council António Costa believes that Europe’s way of doing things—diplomacy, multilateralism, and respect for international law—yields results and brings peace.

Making a concluding statement after the Summit, Costa noted that any discussion regarding peace and stability on the continent must include like-minded partners beyond Europe.

“This summit will forever be remembered as a summit of peace in the Caucasus—brought about by brave political choices and patient diplomatic efforts. This story of peace in Europe, in a world where escalation and war seem to dominate, is something to be celebrated,” he said.

Costa stressed that the European Union needs to work hand in hand with Armenia and the region for peace and stability.

“The fact that Armenia is hosting this summit, the fact that we are all here today—it is a powerful illustration of the country’s courageous geopolitical path, a path that Armenia and the European Union are walking together.”

According to him, the summit focused on the fight against foreign interference in democratic processes, as well as on the power of connectivity to create win-win economic partnerships.

The President of the European Council thanked Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan for his hospitality and expressed hope that the next EPC summit in Ireland will be as successful as the meeting in Yerevan.

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Irish PM praises Armenia’s high standards in hosting EPC summit

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Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin has praised Armenia for the high standards it set in organizing the European Political Community summit.

The Irish Prime Minister, whose country will host the next summit, made the remarks during a joint statement following the 8th European Political Community meeting and thanked Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan for the warm hospitality.

“We are enormously pleased to receive the baton from Armenia. You have been so warm in your hospitality and so efficient and professional in your organization of today’s meeting. You have set a very high bar for us as we advance our preparations, and we hope we can live up to the standards that you have set,” he said.

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PM Pashinyan meets Cyprus President on sidelines of EPC Summit in Yerevan

Armenia19:20, 4 May 2026
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The Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan met with the President of the Republic of Cyprus Nikos Christodoulides within the framework of the European Political Community Summit, the PM’s Office said in a readout.

During the meeting, the parties discussed the prospects for the development of Armenia-Cyprus bilateral relations, emphasizing the importance of activating political dialogue and expanding economic cooperation. Regional developments and efforts aimed at ensuring stability were also touched upon.

The parties reaffirmed their willingness to continue cooperation in all areas of mutual interest.

They exchanged views on the implementation of the Armenian Government’s “Crossroads of Peace” project aimed at unblocking regional communication routes, as well as the TRIPP project.

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Ukrainian president meets Georgian prime minister in Yerevan

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has met with Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze in Yerevan on the sidelines of the European Political Community summit.

According to Ukrainska Pravda, Zelenskyy confirmed that the meeting took place during the summit. “There are indeed unresolved issues between our countries. It is important to maintain dialogue at all levels. Ukraine has always respected, and continues to respect, Georgia, its sovereignty and its people. We will continue to advance our cooperation,” he said.

The Ukrainian president did not provide details on what specific issues were discussed during the meeting.

In a statement, the Georgian government said the talks were initiated by the Ukrainian side.

“In recent years, relations between Kyiv and Tbilisi have remained strained, particularly due to the Georgian authorities’ stance on the Russia–Ukraine war, as well as recurring accusations regarding calls to open a “second front.”

Kobakhidze and several members of the ruling party were included in Ukraine’s 10-year sanctions list.

In addition, Georgia went nearly four years without a Ukrainian ambassador until the appointment of Mykhailo Brodovych to the post in January 2026,” the media outlet notes.

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Macron awarded Order of Glory in Armenia

President22:08, 4 May 2026
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French President Emmanuel Macron has been awarded the Order of Glory by decree of the President of the Republic of Armenia.

The decoration was presented to him by Armenian President Vahagn Khachaturyan during a state dinner.

The award was granted in recognition of Macron’s significant personal contribution to strengthening and advancing the traditionally friendly relations between Armenia and France, as well as to expanding and deepening bilateral cooperation.

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