Arakelian: We appreciate Kuwait's balanced foreign policy
Dr. Arsen Arakelyan, Ambassador of the Republic of Armenia to Kuwait, affirmed that despite its small size and the surrounding geopolitical challenges, his country is steadily moving forward to consolidate its sovereignty, strengthen its peace agenda, and diversify its international partnerships. He noted that Armenia does not view its international relations through the lens of choosing between East and West, but rather works to expand its strategic partnerships with various global powers and actors.
In an interview with Al-Nahar, Arakelyan stated that the “Peace Crossroads” initiative represents an action plan to transform Armenia’s geographical location from a challenge into an opportunity, by activating existing communication channels in the region and building new ones, thereby enhancing the country’s role as a hub for economic and transport connectivity in the South Caucasus.
He pointed out that the trilateral statement signed by the leaders of Armenia, the United States, and Azerbaijan in Washington on August 8, 2025, and the initialing of the agreement on establishing peace and bilateral relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan, constitute significant steps toward genuine peace and stability. He also highlighted the importance of the TRIPP project in strengthening regional connectivity and integrating Armenia into the international railway network.
The Ambassador praised Kuwaiti-Armenian relations, emphasizing that the two countries possess the ingredients for a “natural partnership.” He noted that areas of cooperation are not limited to a specific sector but include tourism, agriculture, food industries, information technology, services, artificial intelligence, and more. He called on both the public and private sectors in Kuwait to explore new investment opportunities in Armenia, pointing out that winter tourism, tourism infrastructure, agricultural product manufacturing, and information technology represent promising fields for Kuwaiti investment.
Arakelyan also commended the Kuwaiti and Gulf role in supporting peace and stability, arguing that stability in the South Caucasus serves not only the peoples of the region but also the security and economic and strategic interests of the Gulf.
On the humanitarian front, Arakelyan spoke about the Armenian community in Kuwait, praising the safe environment in which they live and the respect for religious and cultural diversity. He also shared aspects of his personal experience in Kuwait, expressing his admiration for the Kuwaiti Diwaniya, his friendships with Kuwaitis, the places he likes to visit, and the Kuwaiti dish that has become one of his favorites.
Below is the text of the interview:
How do you describe Armenia today amid the rapid geopolitical shifts in its surroundings? Do you feel the world understands the specificity of its location and challenges?
Despite all the disasters that have befallen us, Armenia today is a sovereign state, a democratic state, pushing forward its peace agenda, and striving firmly to reduce its dependence on external power centers. The South Caucasus region, as a region, and Armenia, as an integral part of it, are attracting increasing attention from the international community. The world is also increasingly and better recognizing the region and the facts on the ground.
Armenia is geographically small but located in a highly sensitive area. How does this geography transform from a challenge into an opportunity?
Yes, Armenia’s area is small, but the role of Armenia and the Armenian people in world history and human progress is significant. I will answer this question by quoting a concept recently proposed by Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, which states that “Armenia is an expected partner in the North, South, East, and West.” Therefore, it is no coincidence that the Armenian government has been pushing the “Peace Crossroads” initiative since 2023. It is not merely a forward-looking vision but an action plan to activate existing communication channels in the region and build new ones. We have always been an important crossroads for trade routes, and there is now a real opportunity to fully realize our potential to become the economic and transport hub of the South Caucasus.
To what extent can it be said that Armenia is entering a new phase in its relations with its surroundings, especially given the efforts to achieve peace and stability in the South Caucasus?
This is a very valid point. Armenia is a sovereign state and continues to pursue a balanced and moderate foreign policy. The authorities of the Republic of Armenia have repeatedly echoed this idea from the highest platforms. Armenia does not simply choose between the West and the East, but continues to expand its strategic partnerships with international actors. We hope that Armenia and other countries in the region, within the framework of the “Peace Crossroads” initiative, will enhance stability and the peace process, integrate into global trade and economic pathways, and become an important part of the international trade and economic mosaic that leads to global development.
In this regard, I would like to emphasize that the trilateral statement signed by the leaders of Armenia, the United States, and Azerbaijan in Washington on August 8, 2025, and the initialing of the agreement on establishing peace and bilateral relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan, represent the most serious steps toward genuine peace and stability.
What is the importance of the TRIPP project for Armenia and the region?
I consider it necessary to draw attention to the TRIPP project, which is a program stemming from the government’s “Peace Crossroads” project. It is considered one of the important practical outcomes of the Washington Peace Summit held on August 8, 2025. The project will be implemented on the territory of the Republic of Armenia, based on the principles of territorial integrity, sovereignty, and jurisdiction of the Republic of Armenia, and will put an end to the blockade imposed on Armenia. It aims to integrate Armenia into the international railway network. Our goal is to transform Armenia into an active hub for international cooperation. We believe that Armenia will leverage its geographical location to become an influential and responsible actor in international political developments.
I take this opportunity to call upon the relevant public and private entities in the State of Kuwait to explore the new opportunities opened by the aforementioned developments, investment programs, and other forms of cooperation with Armenia.
Amid international and regional tensions, how does Armenia try to maintain a balance in its relations with various powers? Do you believe Armenia’s geographical location makes it more sensitive to conflicts and geopolitical shifts?
It is natural that tensions in the region negatively affect the dynamics of developing international trade and cargo transport. However, despite these challenges, the active policy pursued by the Armenian government aims to reduce our economic and security dependence. We are currently guided by the necessity of international partnership and diversifying trade and economic links. In recent years, new documents for strategic cooperation have been signed with the United States, France, China, Kazakhstan, India, Iran, Georgia, and several other global and regional actors. The relative weight of trade and economic links with traditional and non-traditional partners is gradually increasing. Armenian products have appeared in European markets, Middle Eastern and Gulf markets, and even in Southeast Asia. This is a direct result of the aforementioned policies and efforts.
As for Armenia’s geographical location, it undoubtedly involves many challenges, but we do not view it as an inescapable fate, but rather as a reality that must be managed and whose negative manifestations must be mitigated as much as possible. Often, these challenges can be turned into opportunities, and here lies the art of politics.
How do you view the role that Gulf states, and Kuwait in particular, can play in supporting peace and development in the South Caucasus?
Armenia views with appreciation the balanced foreign policy of the Gulf states, especially Kuwait. Their support for the peace process in the South Caucasus region is very important, especially since peace and stability in the South Caucasus serve not only the peoples of the region but also the security and economic and strategic interests of the Gulf. We look forward to Kuwait and the Gulf states playing a more effective role in supporting peace and prosperity in our region. We believe that Gulf states, led by Kuwait, can contribute to the peace agenda and the development of economic interconnectivity.
How does Armenia read the ongoing shifts in the Gulf and Middle East? What is the importance of Gulf states for Armenian foreign policy? How do you view the diplomatic role Kuwait plays in addressing regional crises?
Armenia closely follows the ongoing shifts in the Gulf and Middle East. We repeat that stability and the resumption of diplomatic dialogue align with the national interests of the region’s countries in general and Armenia in particular. Therefore, the Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia expressed his firm support for the agreement reached on June 12 of this year.
It is worth noting that Gulf states, and the State of Kuwait in particular, hold a pivotal place in Armenia’s strategy for openness and development. This importance stems from a comprehensive strategic vision that goes beyond bilateral relations to include regional and international dimensions.
The Dark Horse
Armenia has significant potential in tourism, technology, agriculture, and energy. Which sector do you believe can be the “dark horse” in cooperation with Kuwait?
I do not wish to single out any specific sector or field, as Armenia and its people possess a unique advantage in the global economy, known as “comparative advantage.” By recognizing and optimally exploiting this advantage, trade and economic relations can be successfully developed with countries in the region, as well as major world powers.
In this context, I would like to emphasize that Armenia possesses, and is still capable of developing, sectors that are difficult or impossible to develop in Gulf states, especially Kuwait, due to climatic or other reasons. These sectors include various branches of agriculture and food production, tourism, especially winter and eco-tourism, as well as crafts and traditional industries that have flourished in Armenia for centuries and are an integral part of world civilization.
At the same time, the rapid developments in information technology and engineering in Armenia, along with modern solutions in the services sector and artificial intelligence, provide us with the opportunity to take concrete daily steps alongside some advanced countries and to offer promising cooperation projects to international partners who are interested. We would be happy to share our achievements with Kuwait and work together to achieve new accomplishments. We want economic relations to rise to the level of political relations.
Political relations between Kuwait and Armenia are good, but do economic and investment relations rise to the level of this friendship? What is missing?
Yes, we always affirm that the level of political dialogue and cooperation is generally satisfactory. The existing cooperation between Armenia and Kuwait on multilateral platforms achieves tangible successes. Of course, we strive to enhance this cooperation and deepen discussions on regional and international issues. The requirements of the era also call for repeated high-level mutual visits and aligning the legal framework with the interests of both peoples, which will naturally contribute to the growth of mutual investments and the diversification of cooperation in trade, economic, and other fields.
Are there any new Kuwaiti projects or investments under consideration in Armenia?
I believe the question should first be directed to the Kuwaiti side. For my part, I would only like to point out that the success of the first business forum held in Kuwait at the beginning of this year was an important indicator of the great and growing interest among Kuwaiti and Armenian business circles. Therefore, in cooperation with Kuwaiti public and private entities, as well as the Kuwaiti Embassy in Armenia, we intend to build on this success, turn the signed agreement into a tangible reality, and implement the agreed-upon programs.
Which sectors do you want to see greater Kuwaiti investor presence in Armenia? Do you have specific projects you are seeking to attract Kuwaiti investment to?
In my opinion, investments in developing winter tourism and tourism infrastructure in Armenia can be profitable today. Manufacturing agricultural products in Armenia is also very promising, especially if done according to the standards of the Gulf Cooperation Council. This aligns with the Armenian government’s efforts to diversify trade and economic relations on one hand, and on the other hand, it will contribute to enhancing food security in Kuwait and other GCC countries, as well as diversifying transport and logistics channels.
At the same time, Kuwait can invest in Armenia in rapidly developing sectors that require new solutions, such as information technology and services, and other related sectors.
The Community
How would you describe the situation of the Armenian community in Kuwait and Kuwait’s respect for freedom of religion and belief?
We have affirmed at the highest levels that Armenians in Kuwait live in peace and safety, that their rights are protected, and that they have never faced any discrimination in Kuwait. On the other hand, I would like to proudly and respectfully point out that the Armenian community in Kuwait is an integral part of this society. Thanks to their diligent efforts, high sense of responsibility, and active participation in social, scientific, educational, cultural, and even sports life, they enjoy the respect and appreciation of Kuwaiti society. The Armenian National School has been operating successfully in Kuwait for more than six decades and always enjoys full support from Kuwaiti authorities in resolving its daily issues. The Armenian community in Kuwait, on an equal footing with other resident religious communities, has the right to practice religious rites, visit churches, and celebrate all religious holidays and occasions, which contributes to preserving religious and cultural diversity in Kuwait.
How do you view the increase in Kuwaiti tourism to Armenia? Are there new steps to facilitate and encourage Kuwaiti tourists?
Last year, thanks to direct flights between Kuwait and Yerevan and the facilitation of entry procedures to Armenia for residents of Kuwait, the number of tourists coming from Kuwait to Armenia saw an unprecedented increase. However, this year, due to security developments in the Gulf region, direct flights have been disrupted, which naturally affected tourism flows. We continue to work with Armenian and Kuwaiti airlines to establish a reliable air bridge and ensure its uninterrupted continuity.
Based on your experience as an ambassador in Kuwait, what image of Armenia have you found among Kuwaitis, and what image do you wish to correct?
The Kuwaiti people know Armenians well, thanks to their Armenian-Kuwaiti identity. When I meet a new person, the first thing I hear is: “Oh, I know that Armenian person or that one who lives in Kuwait, or whom I met, for example, in Lebanon.” Usually, this is followed by a story confirming that the Armenian is trustworthy. It is truly a pleasant moment. However, to my surprise, many Kuwaitis do not know Armenia and have never traveled there. They have visited one of Armenia’s neighboring countries several times but have not imagined how close Armenia is to that country. Another important part of my job is raising public awareness about Armenia, spreading knowledge about it, its people, its history, and its current reality, among other things. Almost all embassy initiatives serve these goals.
How do you see the development of Kuwaiti-Armenian relations in recent years? Are we facing a new phase in these relations?
Of course, relations between Armenia and Kuwait are characterized by their unique friendly nature, built on mutual understanding and trust. Over the past three decades, cooperation between Armenia and Kuwait has seen steady growth. It must be noted that some aspects of this cooperation were not tightly planned, did not succeed, and were not all satisfactory to me as the Armenian Ambassador to Kuwait, nor, I believe, to my Kuwaiti counterpart in Armenia. But we are doing our best to ensure that the peoples of our two countries benefit from this cooperation daily. I believe that if this trend continues, a new page in Armenian-Kuwaiti relations will soon be opened.
Which file do you believe is still below the level of ambition in relations between the two countries?
As I mentioned earlier, no single field can be excluded, and no sector is unworthy of attention. Every sector is promising, and the agenda for cooperation between us is very broad. I would like to reaffirm that Armenia has what Kuwait needs, and Kuwait, in turn, has what Armenia needs. This is what can be called a natural partnership. Therefore, our duty today is to explore these opportunities in depth and work to develop this partnership.
What surprised you most in Kuwait since your arrival, whether at the official or social level?
By the nature of my work, I have traveled extensively in the Middle East, especially in Gulf states, and have visited some of them several times. In all of them, I witnessed unique cultural and social manifestations and expressions of beautiful and noble traditions. I must admit that Kuwait is the only country I had not visited before taking up my post as ambassador. I confirm that I fell in love with it at first sight. My participation in the Kuwaiti Diwaniya was one of the most wonderful experiences I have had here. This tradition exists in other Gulf states, but it is not as widespread as it is in Kuwait. During my stay here, I have emphasized that the Diwaniya tradition is unique and contributes to national and social unity and comprehensive dialogue involving different generations. Therefore, I see it as necessary to submit it for recognition by a specialized body for preserving cultural heritage, such as UNESCO.
At the end of last year, I was pleased to learn that Kuwait’s application to the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Committee to recognize the Diwaniya as part of humanity’s intangible cultural heritage had been accepted. I congratulate the Kuwaitis from the bottom of my heart and share their joy on this occasion.
Is there a humanitarian or personal moment you experienced in Kuwait that you believe will stay with you even after your mission ends?
Certainly. I do not wish to go into details, but I see it as necessary to point out that the Kuwaiti people possess high morals and are not shy about communicating and getting close. Therefore, such manifestations can be observed almost daily.
If asked to compare Armenia and Kuwait away from politics, what common ground have you found between the two peoples?
In general, we are geographically very close. In fact, it can be said that we live in a region with a shared civilizational, historical, and cultural heritage. Over the centuries, thanks to the Armenian-Arab links extending over thousands of years, we have all developed common traits. I will mention a few: loyalty to family, hospitality, respect for others, patriotism, and adherence to traditions. These are qualities shared by Armenians and Kuwaitis, and I could continue listing them.
What would you say to a Kuwaiti who has not yet visited Armenia? Why should they put it on their list of upcoming destinations?
I tell them: Visit Armenia, and you will find yourself returning to it again and again.
Do you have Kuwaiti friends outside the diplomatic framework? What have you learned from these human relationships?
Certainly. I have many friends, including several Kuwaiti friends I have met during my time here. Shared interests, similar views, sometimes close perceptions of the world, mutual respect, and similar personalities are the factors that contribute to forming good friendships in Kuwait.
What place do you make a point of visiting in Kuwait when you have time away from work?
One of my favorite places here is Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah Causeway, which stretches across the sea for nearly 40 kilometers. I have crossed it many times back and forth, and each time I enjoyed the stunning view of Kuwait City from afar. Another one of my favorite places is the beach, especially the one near the Science and Technology Center. I also visit the Martyr’s Park often. In summer, I like to stroll through Kuwait’s shopping malls, where their vast space and excellent air conditioning make you forget you are under a roof.
Is there a Kuwaiti dish you have come to love?
“Majboos,” of course, whether with chicken or meat. My children love this dish very much. Generally, Kuwait is known for its delicious and appetizing dishes, but we have to rein in our desire for delicious food and try to limit the quantity.
