EDITORIAL: A strategic partnership without strategic memory

The 2020 Artsakh war should have left an indelible lesson on Canadian foreign policy. The use of Canadian-made WESCAM targeting systems aboard Turkish drones exposed the dangerous consequences of defence cooperation with Ankara. Yet, just a few years later, Ottawa is forging a new strategic partnership with Türkiye, expanding the scope of economic, political and military cooperation.

This decision underscores a troubling contradiction in Canada’s evolving foreign policy. The pursuit of new markets and closer defence ties is drawing Ottawa towards a country that continues to play a destabilizing role in the South Caucasus. Türkiye’s unconditional support for Azerbaijan emboldens a policy of force and coercion that has already devastated the Armenian population of Artsakh and continues to threaten Armenia’s sovereignty.

Strategic trust between nations must be built on responsible conduct and respect for commitments. Ankara has yet to demonstrate that it deserves such trust. Under these circumstances, the new economic and defence advantages Canada is extending to Türkiye risk further strengthening Ankara’s position without securing any meaningful assurance that it will reconsider its regional policies. Ottawa’s rapprochement with Ankara therefore raises serious questions about the consistency and integrity of Canada’s foreign policy principles.

Against this backdrop, the work of the Armenian National Committee of Canada (ANCC) takes on particular significance. Through its engagement with policymakers, public advocacy and unwavering commitment to the Armenian Cause, the ANCC continues to ensure that Armenian interests remain firmly on Canada’s political agenda. Its efforts seek to prevent economic and strategic considerations from taking precedence over international law, justice and the fundamental security interests of Armenia.

Yet perhaps the most troubling aspect of this entire development is the conspicuous silence of the authorities in Yerevan. Faced with a major shift in international relations that directly affects Armenia’s security, the Armenian government has failed to articulate a position commensurate with the gravity of the situation, once again leaving the responsibility of defending Armenian national interests largely in the hands of Diaspora political organizations.

The ANCC’s principled and persistent engagement stands as a testament to the political strength and sense of responsibility of an organized Armenian Diaspora. At the same time, it exposes a painful reality: when Armenia’s vital national interests are at stake, the voice defending Armenian national rights today resonates more clearly from Ottawa than from Yerevan.

Horizon