The Armenian Ambassador to Austria, H.E. Andranik Hovhannisyan, spoke with Diplomatic SOCIETY about his country’s ties with Austria and the European Union, the status of peace negotiations between Armenia and Azerbaijan and his government’s transportation project “Crossroads of Peace”.
You are representing your country here in Austria and at the International Organizations of Vienna – which topics and areas would you like to focus on during your term?
Serving as Armenia’s Ambassador in Vienna—one of the world’s key diplomatic hubs—is an honor. My priorities range from strengthening bilateral relations to actively engaging with International Organizations.
Armenia and Austria share strong bonds, and it is essential not only to nurture these ties but also to explore new opportunities for cooperation.
Armenia is a member of the Board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency, and I am honored to serve as its vice chair. Our collaboration with the IAEA is vital for ensuring the safe and efficient operation of Armenia’s nuclear power plant.
Armenia plays an active role in the UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs, where I contribute as chair of the Committee of the Whole.
Through the United Nations Industrial Development Organization, we have implemented impactful projects that strengthen Armenia’s quality infrastructure, support SMEs, and foster the growth of the high-tech industry.
Armenia prioritizes cooperation within the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe. As the largest regional security organization, the OSCE can contribute in promoting peace and stability in our region.
Austria and Armenia are connected through long-lasting relations – how would you describe the bilateral ties?
Armenia shares historically deep-rooted ties with Austria. Today, Vienna is renowned for its vibrant coffeehouse culture, yet few know that the city’s first café was established by an Armenian in the 17th century—a legacy that endures to this day. This is just one example of Armenia’s contribution to Vienna’s cultural tapestry.
For over 200 years, Vienna has been home to the Mekhitarist Monastery, one of the important Armenian religious, cultural, and scientific centers. The community remains connected, primarily around the St. Hripsime Church, located in Vienna’s “Armenia” Square.
Since Armenia’s independence, these relations have thrived. The joint intergovernmental economic commission convenes regularly to assess cooperation and potential for expansion. Armenia and Austria maintain a robust political dialogue, including at the high levels, with frequent reciprocal visits and meetings between foreign ministers. The ties between the two nations are built on a solid legal foundation, while cultural, scientific, educational, and people-to-people exchanges continue to thrive.
In recent years Armenia is getting closer to the European Union. What impact does this have on foreign policy priorities of Armenia and relations with other states and regions?
Our relations with the European Union develop naturally, as our history, culture, and values are deeply intertwined with those of most EU member states.
As a democracy, Armenia wants to be closer to other democratic states. We have a strong legal foundation of our cooperation based on the Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement. We are working toward signing a new Partnership Agenda. We have started negotiations on visa liberalization. Armenia has been included in the European Peace Facility. The EU civilian mission remains deployed along the border areas of Armenia with Azerbaijan.
Armenia pursues a balanced and balancing foreign policy. In this vein, we prioritize good neighborly relations. Our ties with the Islamic Republic of Iran are more substantive than ever. Last year, we raised our relations with Georgia to the level of strategic partnership. We are determined to normalize relations with Azerbaijan and Türkiye. Our relations with the Russian Federation are more practical than ever. We remain committed to developing these ties through mutually beneficial cooperation.
Recently, a strategic partnership is being launched with the United States of America. Our relations with India have acquired new weight and meaning. Our ties with China are developing and deepening. New opportunities for partnership have been created in the Middle East.
Our international relations are not directed against others, rather they attempt to unite around shared interests and values.
Just recently, Armenia and Azerbaijan agreed on a peace treaty – can you tell us a bit about the main agreements and how it might shape the future of your country?
Armenia and Azerbaijan have announced that the text of the Peace Agreement has been agreed upon and the negotiations on it have been finalized. This marks a significant milestone in normalizing relations and fostering regional stability. Armenia has proposed signing the agreement without delay. The agreement is founded on basic principles of international law, including mutual respect for the territorial integrity and sovereignty. It reflects the commitment to establish cooperation in key areas, including transportation, transit, and economic relations. Recognizing that no peace agreement can resolve all issues instantly, it establishes mechanisms for continued dialogue on outstanding sensitive matters. While we have concerns regarding certain territorial implications in Azerbaijan’s Constitution, we believe the agreement includes provisions that address these issues. Any discrepancies in internal legislation can be fully resolved through the signing and ratification of the Agreement. We emphasize that a comprehensive settlement must address all humanitarian issues, including the release of Armenian prisoners of war and detainees and preservation of the cultural and religious heritage. (editor’s note: interview took place in March 2025)
To expand on peace initiatives: The Government of Armenia has proposed a transportation project called “Crossroads of Peace” – can you explain the main pillars and objectives of this project?
The “Crossroads of Peace” initiative aims at opening the borders and transport communication in the region that have been blocked for decades and connect Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Iran and Türkiye with each other and beyond. This initiative will boost capacities for road freight, pipelines, power transmission, and digital infrastructure, connecting the Black Sea Region to the Gulf Region. By transforming the South Caucasus into a key transit hub, it will revive traditional ties, create new opportunities for cooperation, connectivity, and trade, and contribute to both regional and global stability. The project is guided by the following key principles:
- All infrastructures operate under the sovereignty and jurisdiction of the countries engaged.
- Each country is responsible itself for ensuring border and customs control, as well as the security of all infrastructure within its territory, including the passage of vehicles, cargo, and people.
- All infrastructures can be used for international and domestic transportation.
- Countries use all the infrastructures on the basis of reciprocity and equality.
Under these principles, border and customs control procedures can be facilitated through mutual consent and agreement.