On November 30, Polish Ambassador Zdzislaw Raczynski completed his mission in Armenia and left Yerevan. Before leaving, he gave an interview to Mediamax.

- Mr. Ambassador, you have spent more than 4 years in Armenia. How would you assess Yerevan-Warsaw political dialogue over the period?

- Armenia-Poland political relations are currently on a high level. Since Armenia’s independence, it has been the most active period of our bilateral relations. I often describe Armenia-Poland relations as “mature partnership” based on mutual trust. As mature partners, Armenia and Poland know what they expect from each other. Our countries’ leaders cooperate in an atmosphere of mutual trust and understanding. The Armenian and Polish peoples have similar historical fate which is an extra impetus to our relations. They allow us to perceive and understand each in a more accurate way. Poland is currently one of the most active and devoted partners of Armenia especially in terms of the political dialogue.

- And what about the economic ties?

- Over the past 5 years, the volume of trade turnover between our countries has doubled. Of course, the volumes are not so large – around EUR50mln yearly - but we shouldn’t expect big results taking into account the distance between Armenia and Poland and other circumstances.

I think we should work more not only on increasing export and import volumes but boosting Armenian-Polish joint production. I take great interest in following the operation of 2 major Polish companies in Armenia. PWPW (Polish Security Printing Works) works out biometric passports for Armenia.

The first Armenia-Poland joint venture for production of military equipment – Lyubava Armenia - has opened recently. It produces bulletproof vests, helmets and tents. If both companies manage to succeed on the Armenian market, I think their practice will be a model for others and will pique interest among Polish businessmen. Overall, I leave Armenia being convinced that everything possible has been done to strengthen Armenia-Poland economic and cultural cooperation.

Polish Ambassador Zdzislaw Raczynski

Photo:Mediamax

- Mr. Ambassador, much is spoken that Armenia’s decision to join Eurasian Economic Union and not to sign EU Association Agreement as a result was a surprise and disappointment for EU states. How was the Armenian President’s 2013 September 3 decision assessed by Poland?

- First of all, let me say that Armenia is an important regional partner for Poland and we were convinced Armenia’s signing of EU Association Agreement would speed up reforms and economy modernization in Armenia. I don’t share the opinion that September 3 decision was a surprise or disappointment. Back in June 2013, the Armenian President clearly accentuated some points on this issue during his visit to Poland. After that, Poland didn’t doubt that Armenia wouldn’t join EU Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area as Russia opposes to it.

We avoid assessing whether it’s right or wrong. It’s just a statement of facts. Armenia is linked to Russia with history, security and economy.

Russia is Armenia's key partner and from the moment Russia started perceiving EU Eastern Partnership program as a geopolitical game everything became clear. Armenia and Russia are greatly interrelated and obviously, Armenia couldn't be against Moscow and lose its support.

One should understand that EU Association Agreement doesn't mark a country's membership to the EU. It marks the beginning of reforms and transforms the country based on EU member states' model. It happened to Poland. Based on our example, we made sure that it's a good way for Poland but no one can impose its development model on another state. Armenia has chosen a different path for itself and we quite understand the choice.

- In your opinion, what changed in Armenia-EU relations after the decision?

- On the whole, nothing has changed. Armenia continues to be EU's Eastern partner. The quality of relations hasn't changed - only the circumstances have altered. After Russian aggression against Ukraine, the field of countries' maneuvers striving for balanced and complementary policy with EU has become very limited. We can say it is fully lacking and the factor can't be positive for Armenia-EU cooperation. Our greatest concern is that now when Georgia embarked on a European integration path and Armenia is moving forward to Eurasian Economic Union, the differences between the two neighbors are deepening which can become an invisible obstacle. This is the threat we want to avoid. Want it or not, it's a fact that the EU which faces various challenges will pay more attention to the Eastern partners which are guided by ''more for more'' principle. Armenia-EU relations haven't changed for the past 2 years - only the situation has.

Polish Ambassador Zdzislaw Raczynski

Photo:Mediamax

- Armenia is willing to start visa-free regime talks with EU. Given the situation you described, how possible is it?

- Poland has always wanted liberalization of visa regime with Georgia to be simultaneous with that of Armenia. This is our position. But Armenia's some actions don't facilitate our work and it sometimes finds itself in ''proud solitude''. I mean, for instance, the consideration of Crimea annexation as exercise of people's self-determination right. Such practices exert a negative impact against the background of relations with EU states. I think Armenia should persuade its partners in Brussels and new leadership of European Commission that Armenia is the EU's reliable partner in this important region.

- You are leaving Armenia in a period when the situation in NK conflict zone is rather tense. Since ceasefire regime, this year’s escalations were unprecedented. EU is often accused of ignoring Azerbaijan's arming and bellicose rhetoric. What can you say in this regard?

- Arms race in this region is really dangerous as a purchased weapon will one day shoot. It jeopardizes the countries' economies which become dependent on those supplying arms. We are well aware who sells arms to the both sides of NK conflict and what goals are pursued. It's justified by the fact that the supplier allegedly tries to maintain the balance of forces but it can indeed be done on smaller scales. They don't need to sell, for instance, 500 tanks to the sides- they can only sell 50. The escalation of situation in the conflict zone and restart of military actions can stem from border shootings which may seem minor at a first glance. Of course, the EU is concerned about all this but frankly speaking, the EU is faced with more important challenges now that’s why arms race in South Caucasus is of secondary significance. However, South Caucasus resembles a “powder keg”.

Yekaterina Poghosyan talked to Zdzislaw Raczynski