Statement by H.E. Mr. Paruyr Hovhannisyan, Permanent Representative of Armenia to the United Nations at the ECOSOC Special Meeting on Safeguarding Energy and Supply Flows

15 May, 2026

Mr. President,

Excellencies,

Distinguished colleagues,

Armenia is vitally interested in peace and stability in our neighbourhood. We are following developments in the Middle East with grave concern. Armenia continues to emphasize the urgent need for de-escalation, diplomacy and full respect for international humanitarian law, while recognizing the wider development consequences of the conflict for global trade, connectivity and economic stability.

We thank the President of ECOSOC for convening this timely discussion, which Armenia supported as Vice-President of the Council. The current situation once again demonstrates how interconnected our economies and development pathways have become.

For countries such as Armenia, these disruptions are not felt only through shifts in global markets. As a landlocked developing country in a region marked by persistent geopolitical uncertainty, Armenia is acutely aware that disruptions can have immediate and disproportionate consequences for connectivity, transit predictability and regional economic stability.

These impacts are felt across multiple dimensions, further complicating progress toward the SDGs.

Disruptions affecting key international transit corridors increase shipping times, raise transport costs and create economic ambiguities for importers and exporters alike. For LLDCs, whose economies depend heavily on reliable access to external markets, such setbacks further amplify structural vulnerabilities.

Rising fuel and energy costs translate into higher transport, production and food prices, placing pressure on households and businesses, while further constraining already limited fiscal space. Geopolitical uncertainty also discourages investment, increases borrowing costs and weakens growth prospects.

These economic pressures also risk undermining environmental sustainability efforts, including biodiversity preservation and the transition to green and resilient economies.

These realities require a collective response.

Strengthening the resilience and predictability of international supply chains must remain a collective priority, including through enhanced trade facilitation, diversified transport routes and stronger support for countries in special situations.

International financial institutions must provide timely, affordable and responsive support. Countries should not be forced to choose between immediate crisis response and long-term development investment.

Building greater energy resilience, including through diversification, sustainable infrastructure and renewable energy investments, will likewise be essential to reducing exposure to future disruptions and strengthening long-term resilience.

Mr. President,

For many developing countries, repeated external disruptions are no longer exceptional events — they are becoming a persistent development challenge. We continue to emphasize the importance of reliable connectivity and practical cooperation that can reduce structural vulnerabilities and bolster long-term economic perseverance and adaptability.

Thank you.

MFA RA
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