Mishustin expects closer Armenia-Russia ties

PanARMENIAN.Net - Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said during a meeting with Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin in Yekaterinburg that Yerevan is ready to further develop relations with Moscow and remains interested in its participation in the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU).

According to RIA Novosti, Mishustin said Moscow expects the new Armenian government, which will be formed following the parliamentary elections, to ensure the continued development of Russian-Armenian relations.

“We expect that the new government formed following the vote and the elections will ensure the consistent development of Russian-Armenian relations in the spirit of friendship, good neighborliness, mutual respect and consideration of each other's interests,” Mishustin said.

Pashinyan said the meeting provided a good opportunity to discuss the full bilateral agenda.

“Recently, some problematic issues have emerged, and I hope we will discuss and resolve them. Both before and after the elections, we have remained committed to continuing the development of our relations with the Russian Federation. And, of course, we are interested in our participation in the Eurasian Economic Union,” Pashinyan said, according to RIA Novosti.

He added that Yerevan wants the mechanisms established under the EAEU treaty to function normally.

“I believe this is in the interests of the further development of the Eurasian Economic Union. We are ready to discuss and clarify all issues and all nuances in a constructive manner. I hope that today's talks will allow us to resolve specific issues,” Pashinyan said.

Mishustin noted that the visit to Yekaterinburg is Pashinyan's first foreign trip since Armenia's parliamentary elections.

At the Eurasian Economic Union summit held in Astana on May 29, the leaders of Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan said in a joint statement that they share the view that Armenia's choice between joining the European Union or remaining in the EAEU should be decided through a nationwide referendum.

Russia has imposed restrictions on imports of several Armenian products. These include bans on imports of Jermuk mineral water, flowers and certain alcoholic beverages, as well as restrictions on a number of agricultural products, including tomatoes, cucumbers and strawberries. Since June 2, Russia has also restricted the import and transit through its territory to other EAEU countries of Armenian cherries, apricots, peaches, plums, grapes and other stone fruits. Since June 3, restrictions have also applied to imports of eggplants, potatoes and dried fruits originating from Armenia.