Presidential press service reveals Putin’s Armenia visit details

PanARMENIAN.Net - Armenia’s presidential press service revealed details of the December 2 state visit of Russian leader Vladimir Putin to Yerevan.

A meeting with Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan, followed by a series of Gyumri-hosted events and a visit to the 102nd Russian military base are on Putin’s agenda.

At Yerevan-hosted bilateral talks, the two countries’ leaders will discuss implementation of agreements reached during Sargsyan’s visit to Russia September 3. The parties will exchange views on current stage and further steps of Armenia’s accession to the Customs Union and common economic zone. A number of documents to promote bilateral ties will be inked.

The results of Putin’s visit will be announced at a news conference.

Armenia completed technical talks on a ‘deep and comprehensive free-trade agreement' (DCFTA) with the EU in July and it was set to be signed at a summit with the EU in late November. In addition to a free-trade deal, Armenia has been working towards the signing of an association agreement with the EU, a framework agreement on co-operation that is seen as a first step towards political integration with the EU.

However, during a September 3 meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Armenian leader Sargsyan said Armenia is ready to join Customs Union, with further plans to be involved in formation of the Eurasian Economic Union. Mr. Putin supported the initiative, vowing procedural assistance to Armenia.

Swedish Foreign Minister Carl Bildt described Armenia’s intention as a U-turn in relations with the European Union. “Seems as if Armenia will break talks on free trade agreement with EU and integrate with Russia instead,” he said.

Linas Linkevicius, the Foreign Minister of Lithuania, which holds the rotating EU presidency, said Armenia “has blocked its chances of signing a free trade deal with the European Union by choosing to join the Russia-led union.” “We respect any choice of countries but they cannot enter both organizations at the same time because of different tariff requirements,” he said.

However, Armenian leadership continues expressing intention to expand ties with the EU, which won't contradict Armenia's CU membership.