YEREVAN — Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said he envisions a new for- mat for Armenia-Diaspora relations based not on mutual advice or assis- tance, but on partnership around Ar- menia’s development agenda. Speaking to reporters, Pashinyan cited the Firebird AI initiative, TUMO and the Children of Armenia Fund, or COAF, as examples of the type of co- operation he supports. Addressing recent discussions around the phrase “a strong Diaspora means a strong Armenia,” Pashinyan first questioned what exactly is meant by the term “strong Diaspora.” He said Armenia’s immigration policy is already producing results and expressed hope that, for a second con- secutive year, the country may record net immigration rather than net emi- gration. Pashinyan said some of the past difficulties in Armenia-Diaspora rela- tions were also connected to an incom- plete understanding of the nature of statehood and international relations. According to the prime minister, such misunderstandings can create tension in relations. He also discussed the Diaspora’s influence on Armenia’s relations with other countries, noting that this influ- ence can work in more than one direc- tion. Referring to previous forms of eco- nomic assistance from the Diaspora, Pashinyan again mentioned the prac- tice of sending used goods to Armenia as an example of an outdated approach. He said the preferred model for current Armenia-Diaspora relations should instead focus on participation in development projects. According to Pashinyan, the gov- ernment is ready for deep cooperation with initiatives that align with Arme- nia’s state agenda and the govern- ment’s strategic priorities.