Armenia's decision to formally apply for membership in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) reflects a blend of continuity and change, according to Vahe Gevorgyan, Armenia's Ambassador to China.

In an exclusive interview with CGTN, Gevorgyan explained that Armenia's longstanding relationship with the SCO, as a dialogue partner since 2016, provides a solid foundation for the move. "We have established good working relations with the SCO secretariat and key member states," he said. At the same time, he emphasized that the decision also marks a shift, with the recent expansion of the SCO bringing it closer to Armenia's borders and opening a new chapter in the country's involvement with the multilateral organization.

A belief in multilateralism

At the heart of Yerevan’s application is a stated belief in multilateralism. The Ambassador stressed that Armenia seeks to “diversify our relations with key countries of the world, but also with multilateral organizations.” For him, the timing carries particular weight: “In a time of decline of multilateralism, regional multilateral organizations like the Shanghai Cooperation Organization are very important — to share their principles, and adhere to their spirit.”

In his words, Armenia applies “with firm resolve and determination to share principles, spirits, and to work together with all key countries of that organization.”

China’s role in a time of uncertainty

The Ambassador also placed China’s role in a wider global context. Recalling Beijing’s call to build a “shared home” marked by solidarity and mutual trust, peace and tranquility, prosperity and development, good neighborliness and friend, as well as fairness and justice, he argued that such ideas are most significant in times of turbulence. “Great ideas usually are born and framed at the time of global uncertainties,” he said, noting that new frameworks of multilateralism often emerge from the aftermath of crises.

He added: “We believe that major powers, particularly those who are members of the UN Security Council, have a mission to guide humanity towards a better future, to lead, create and sustain multilateral frameworks.”

Since 2016, Armenia has been part of the SCO as a dialogue partner. The Ambassador said Yerevan welcomed Beijing’s efforts to give “new quality” to this regional security organization, and also by bringing new ideas and new members into the organization.

Toward strategic cooperation with China

Beyond the SCO framework, the Ambassador emphasized the steady trajectory of bilateral ties with China over the past three decades. “The foundation of those relations are very sound. It’s free of any burdensome legacy,” he said, underscoring that Armenia and China are now approaching strategic cooperation.

Trust, he insisted, has been central as this cooperation, in his eyes, is based on mutual interests and mutual respect. “We believe there is no limit to our cooperation.” said the Ambassador.

Trade is already growing rapidly, he added, but Yerevan hopes to expand further, especially through connectivity. Armenia’s Crossroads of Peace initiative — a regional project with global outreach — is seen as a key platform where China could play a role in infrastructure development. “We are ready to make China part of these projects,” he told CGTN.

At the crossroads of Eurasia

Armenia’s geographical location — where many believe is “the crossroads of Eurasia” — makes regional security a pressing concern.

Surrounded by conflicts in the Middle East and ongoing crises in European security, Yerevan has started normalizing relations with neighbors, as shown by its initial peace agreement with Azerbaijan, and deepening involvement in regional cooperation with global outreach which the Ambassador believes can mitigate security challenges and security risks in the region.

“In this regard, we believe that regional multilateral settings are very important to achieve regional security and stability, particularly if those settings are guided by clear principles, strong spirit of cooperation, and emphasis on good neighborliness,” he said.

The SCO, in Armenia’s view, can create a new agenda of cooperation also in the region. It is with this hope, the Ambassador explained, that Yerevan has put forward its application for membership.

Armenia’s trajectory with the SCO reflects a search for security and a broader conviction in multilateralism. At a time when regional tensions risk hardening, Yerevan is betting that joining hands with China and other key players under the SCO framework could help anchor a more stable and sustainable future.