PM: Armenia deepens EU ties, maintains Russia relations

PanARMENIAN.Net - Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, speaking in the Czech Republic, stated that Armenia has no intention of breaking off relations with Russia.

"I mentioned that our parliament recently adopted legislation initiating the process of joining the European Union. We now have very close cooperation with the EU. But at the same time, we are not aiming to sever ties with Russia because our foreign policy is balanced and continues to be balanced. That is our strategy," Pashinyan said, according to RFE/RL.

He also acknowledged that Armenia understands it is impossible to be a member of both the Eurasian Economic Union and the European Union at the same time, meaning a decision will eventually be necessary.

"You know our region faces a complex situation. You mentioned the presence of Russian troops in Armenia. I’d like to point out that the EU monitoring mission is also present in Armenia, observing the border situation with Azerbaijan. Last year, we reduced the presence of Russian forces, but we are not currently aiming to eliminate their presence entirely. Our focus is on establishing lasting and stable peace with neighboring countries," he emphasized.

Pashinyan further noted that a draft peace treaty between Yerevan and Baku has already been agreed upon.

"We are in discussions with Azerbaijan on how to reach the final point and sign the peace agreement," he added.

Back on March 13, Yerevan and Baku announced the completion of work on the draft treaty. Armenia has expressed readiness to sign, while Azerbaijan continues to demand additional conditions.

In March, Armenia’s parliament fully approved a legislative initiative launching the EU accession process. This move prompted a sharp reaction from Moscow, where several senior officials asserted that Yerevan must clearly choose between remaining in the Eurasian Economic Union or joining the EU.