During the press conference held by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, a Canadian reporter asked Trudeau how he envisions the future of Canadian-Armenian relations due to the fact that Armenia is in the middle of political and social changes, is in a period of uncertainty, and is looking to hold elections soon. Justin Trudeau answered that Canadian and Armenian relations have much deeper roots than the relationship between their two leaders. “I spoke with Nikol Pashinyan about what he can do to protect the values of democracy. We both understand that gaining the trust of the people is an important point in building up the economy and communities.”
He said that they will continue to advance Armenian-Canadian relations in that direction. He spoke about it a lot with Nikol Pashinyan and was inspired. “Pashinyan spoke about how citizens need to feel as though the government is trustworthy. They need to be actively involved in the socio-political life of the country.”
Pashinyan also answered the Canadian reporter’s question. “It’s important to take note of what changes took place in Armenia. The person who is currently Prime Minister represents the people and that’s how it always will be. The changes that took place in Armenia are a result not only of the activities of Armenian citizens, but of Armenians living throughout the world. That’s what the purpose of holding snap elections is; for people who represent the people and the people’s opinions to be in government. Elections will no longer be rigged in Armenia and the people’s desires will no longer be ignored. I wasn’t the one who carried out the revolution; it was the Armenian people. They hold the highest power in Armenia, and that’s how it always will be.”
Hripsime Jebejyan
