The Minister of Emergency Situations of the Republic of Armenia, Kamo Tsakhulyan, expressed his belief that Turkey has an obligation to assist Armenia if it ever declares an SOS. Tsakhulyan made this statement during a discussion about the Ministry of Emergency Situations’ operations in 2023, which took place in the parliament.

When asked whether Turkey would offer assistance to Armenia again, as it did during the February events in the past, Tsakhulyan stated that it is not a question for him or even the director of the Ministry of Emergency Situations. Instead, he emphasized that Armenia, as a member of INSARAG, is required to respond to any SOS declaration. Tsakhulyan preferred not to answer the question in a political context.

Vahé Ghazaryan, the head of internal affairs at the Ministry, pointed out that Armenia has previously participated in earthquake responses, such as the one in Spitak, and is currently located in a seismic zone. Ghazaryan believes that Turkey is obligated to respond if Armenia declares an SOS.

These statements from the Minister of Emergency Situations and the head of internal affairs have sparked discussions about the potential assistance from Turkey in the case of an emergency in Armenia. The relationship between Armenia and Turkey has been complicated in the past, but it remains to be seen how this obligation will play out in practice.