According to Reuters reporting on July 6th, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said that he hopes this country in South Caucasus can repair relations with Russia and resolve some of the recent 'problems'.
In the run-up to last month's elections in Armenia's National Assembly (parliament), Russia imposed extensive trade restrictions on Armenia, temporarily banning the import of many Armenian goods, including fresh agricultural products, flowers, fish, and alcoholic products.
Pashinyan made these remarks during a joint press conference with Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustkin in Yekaterinburg. This was his first visit to Russia since he was re-elected in the parliamentary elections in June.
Armenia's Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, Reuters
Pahyniyan said that he regarded this meeting with the Russians as a good opportunity, “Just as people often say, let’s ‘synchronize our watches’ (coordinate our positions).”
According to Armenpress, an Armenian state news agency, he said: "There have been some issues recently, and of course, I hope we can discuss and resolve these matters."
"Pashiniyyan expressed to Mishuskying that "we are committed to further developing the relationship with the Russian Federation. Of course, we also eagerly hope to participate in the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU)."
According to Reuters, in recent years, under the leadership of Pashinyan, Armenia, as a treaty ally of Russia, has taken a 'pro-Western course', which has caused dissatisfaction among Moscow. Russia has threatened that if Armenia continues to seek membership in the European Union, it will suspend Armenia's membership in the Russian-led Eurasian Economic Union.
Armenia relies heavily on Russia for energy supply, and Russia accounted for approximately 35% of Armenia's total foreign trade last year.
At the beginning of last month, Armenia held elections for its national council (parliament). The current Prime Minister Pashinyan’s Citizen Contract Party came in first place in terms of votes and won the election.
After winning the election, Pashinyan stated that under his leadership, Armenia will "continue to advance the process of reconciliation with the West," while also developing relations with Russia and retaining its status as a member of the Eurasian Economic Union. However, he added that the country currently does not have the conditions to join the European Union.
Since the election ended, the EU has provided Armenia with 52 million euros in economic aid, and has relaxed the export regulations for Armenian goods entering the EU market.
