Armenian PM Nikol Pashinyan, during a panel discussion today at the World Economic Forum in Davos on how Europe can promote its economic power throughout the world, said Armenia wants closer relations with the European Union because it’s a democracy.

“When you are a democracy, you want to be closer or in the mainstream of democracy, because otherwise it would be illogical, Pashinyan said and expressed his hope that Armenia and the EU will be able to finalize and sign the visa liberalization agreement as soon as possible.

Pashinyan noted that Armenia’s tilt to the West economically isn’t designed to sever its relations regionally.

“Unfortunately, since the beginning of our independence, we have been in economic isolation, because our borders with Turkey and Azerbaijan were and are closed,” he said.

Pashinyan also touted his Crossroads of Peace project designed to unblock and improve transportation links with neighboring Azerbaijan, Turkey, Iran and Georgia.

He argued the project will also benefit the EU because it will open new chain routes for the organization via Armenia.

Pashinyan spoke about the security component of the project, noting that it is a very important factor for overall stability and security.

“But, of course, this project will work only if we can establish a stable peace with Azerbaijan, which, unfortunately, is not the case now,” he said.

Asked about establishing diplomatic relations with Turkey, Pashinyan said he is neither optimistic nor pessimistic.

“The most important thing is not to deviate from the peace agenda, you must focus on the goal and work without giving up, without getting frustrated. But we also need the support of the international community, and I hope we will receive that support.”

When asked how Armenia plans to navigate a complex geopolitical situation, when various regional players are guided by the policy of “if you are not with me, then you are against me” policy, Pashinyan said he will try to create a balance in Armenia’s various relations with the EU, Russia and other regional countries.

“I have already mentioned that we are trying to establish diplomatic relations with Turkey, we are trying to achieve peace with Azerbaijan. Of course, this is not easy, but on the other hand, I do not think that it is impossible. It may seem strange, but indeed we are exceedingly transparent with all our international partners about our intentions. We inform all our partners about what we are doing with other partners,” he said.