In Marseille, Russian Ambassador Sergey Kopyrkin emphasized that while “Russia’s and Armenia’s approaches are not always aligned, there is an honest dialogue,” reflecting mature strategic partnership grounded in history and multilateral cooperation.

Russian Ambassador to Armenia Sergey Kopyrkin , speaking at an event marking Russia Day, noted that although “Russia’s and Armenia’s approaches do not always coincide,” their “honest dialogue” continues. He described Armenia–Russia relations as a model of mature strategic alliance, rooted in historic closeness, centuries‑long interlinked peoples, and multi‑layered interstate cooperation, Sputnik Armenia reports.

He emphasized that in the first half of the year, the “steady dynamics” of bilateral exchanges speak for themselves. Russia remains Armenia’s main trade partner and investor. Russian economic operators are key taxpayers for the state budget, conscientious employers, and philanthropists.

Kopyrkin also highlighted that 96 % of bilateral trade is conducted in national currencies, and noted marked progress in economic cooperation within the Eurasian Economic Union via joint projects.

Beyond economics, he stressed that cultural and humanitarian ties, as well as partnerships in education and science, hold a pivotal place. He announced that Armenia’s Culture Days are planned in Moscow this October.

He added that on foreign policy issues their assessments may differ, but open, honest dialogue is proof of partnership maturity and the guarantee of stable, mutually beneficial cooperation. Russia supports Armenia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity defense.

The ambassador also recalled the 30th anniversary of the Treaty on the Russian military base in Armenia and the 10th anniversary of the Russia‑Armenia Humanitarian Response Centre. He stated that Russian border guards, along with Armenian partners, are honourably controlling Armenia’s state border on the Armenian–Turkish and Armenian–Iranian sections.

Kopyrkin reaffirmed Moscow’s readiness to contribute to the peace process between Yerevan and Baku. “We are prepared to build on the trilateral high‑level agreements reached between 2020 and 2022 to advance Armenia–Azerbaijan relations. We welcome the finalization of the peace treaty draft and propose hosting its signing on a Russian platform. We stand ready to help unblock regional transport and economic links, delineate the Armenia–Azerbaijan border, and resolve other humanitarian issues.”

In turn, Armenian Deputy Prime Minister Mher Grigoryan stated that in a relatively short period, Armenia–Russia interstate relations have dynamically developed on the firm principles of equality and mutual respect. “We can affirm that by focusing on long‑term mutually beneficial cooperation, Armenia and Russia are determined to continue substantive and constructive dialogue in political, socio‑economic, humanitarian and other spheres,” he said.

Grigoryan noted that amid growing instability in the global economy, the parties continue effective cooperation on international platforms. The Deputy PM expressed confidence that constructive dialogue will continue to deepen, strengthening the ties and cooperation between the Armenian and Russian peoples.

A while earlier, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan sent congratulatory messages to Russian President Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, and President Vahagn Khachaturyan visited the Russian Embassy in Armenia.