The Armenian Institutions of the Argentine Republic demand a relationship based on respect, dialogue, and joint construction

The Armenian Institutions of the Argentine Republic (IARA) consider it necessary to publicly state their position on the relationship between the Republic of Armenia and the Armenian communities of the Diaspora, in light of the convening of the Armenia 2026 World Summit and, especially, in view of recent statements made from the floor of Armenia's own National Assembly by ruling-party MP Arman Yeghoyan, who claimed that "if the Diaspora grows stronger, Armenia will grow weaker," that "the Diaspora must weaken for Armenia to grow stronger," and that Armenian communities abroad must "do whatever Armenia asks of them."

These statements, coming from a representative of Armenia's ruling party and voiced from the parliamentary floor, cannot be treated as a minor matter or a mere personal opinion, since they put forward a view of the Armenia–Diaspora relationship based on subordination. IARA considers it necessary to state clearly that the Diaspora is not a structure at the service of the Armenian State, nor a recipient of instructions, but an essential part of the Armenian Nation and a strategic ally of the Republic of Armenia, whose experience, institutional capacity, international ties, and views must be heard, respected, and taken into account in building common goals.

IARA maintains exactly the opposite: strengthening Armenia does not require weakening the Diaspora. A strong Armenia needs a Diaspora that is strong, active, committed, and able to contribute.

The Diaspora is not an obstacle to the consolidation and strengthening of the Republic of Armenia, nor is it an actor outside the national project. It is a fundamental part of the Armenian Nation, built up over generations by communities that, in numerous countries and, in many cases, for over a century, have preserved the identity, culture, memory, institutions, and values of the Armenian people.

Weakening the Diaspora would mean weakening one of Armenia's main sources of strength. The extensive network of Armenian institutions, professionals, entrepreneurs, academics, leaders, and citizens around the world constitutes human, institutional, cultural, and relational capital of enormous value to the Nation.

For this reason, the relationship between Armenia and the Diaspora cannot be built on a logic of subordination, instruction, or one-sided compliance. The Diaspora cannot be conceived of as a mere recipient of decisions made in Armenia, subsequently asked to fall in line with them.

Armenian communities around the world must be recognized as strategic allies of the Republic of Armenia, capable of contributing knowledge, experience, resources, international ties, institutional influence, and a deep commitment to the Nation's future. That human, institutional, and relational capital must not be weakened — it must be called upon, listened to, and put to use.

In Argentina's case, the Armenian community has spent more than a century building institutions and developing a presence deeply integrated into society, with ties across the political, academic, business, cultural, educational, sports, and social spheres. That trajectory is a heritage belonging both to the community and to the Armenian Nation as a whole.

The convening of the Armenia 2026 World Summit represents, in this sense, an opportunity to move toward a new stage in the relationship between Armenia and the Diaspora. IARA values the chance to take part, but considers it essential that this participation go beyond a merely protocolary or consultative role and become a genuine space for dialogue, where communities can voice their positions, contribute their experience, and take part in defining common goals.

IARA understands that building a national Armenian policy also requires listening to the voices of those who, from different corners of the world, have upheld Armenian identity for generations, defended its memory, contributed to the international recognition of the Armenian Genocide, and built institutions that today form an essential part of the Nation's heritage.

The Diaspora should not be weaker so that Armenia can be stronger. On the contrary, the Diaspora must be stronger so that Armenia can be too.

A strengthened Armenia and a strengthened Diaspora are not contradictory projects. On the contrary, they need each other. The defense of national interests, the preservation of our identity, the protection of heritage, the defense of memory, and Armenia's international standing will all be more effective the greater the capacity for coordinated work between the Armenian State and Armenian communities worldwide.

In this context, IARA has presented to the High Commissioner for Diaspora Affairs a series of priorities it considers fundamental to the debate at the Armenia 2026 World Summit, including: respect for the autonomy and integrity of the Armenian Apostolic Church; including the release of Armenian prisoners on the agenda of talks with Azerbaijan; giving greater priority to April 24 and to the demand for recognition of the Armenian Genocide; respect for the symbols that identify and unite Armenians around the world; the return of the Armenians of Artsakh; reparations for displaced families; the preservation of Armenian cultural heritage; the establishment of real, permanent institutional mechanisms for Diaspora participation; and the inclusion of local Armenian institutions on the agenda of officials visiting Argentina.

IARA has also requested a virtual meeting with the High Commissioner for Diaspora Affairs, Zareh Sinanyan, in order to present these positions in person, exchange views, and establish a working methodology that allows for substantive participation by Argentina's Armenian institutions in the Summit.

IARA reaffirms its commitment to working for a strong, sovereign Armenian Nation, recognized and respected internationally. And it understands that this goal will not be achieved by shrinking the space given to the Diaspora, but by integrating its capabilities, listening to its views, and building a common strategy together with it.

Armenia and the Diaspora do not compete for the same space. They are two inseparable dimensions of one and the same Nation.

IARA – Armenian Institutions of the Argentine Republic

Buenos Aires, August 2026