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.
