Pashinyan, Putin discuss Armenian-Russian relations in Moscow

As part of his visit to Russia, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan met with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday to discuss the agenda of the bilateral relations, and future cooperation efforts.

The talks between the two officials in the Kremlin focused on the political, economic and technical-military partnership, and possibilities of broadening the bilateral relations.

Both highlighted the importance of the continuing and consistent efforts towards the deepening of ties (to increase the trade turnover and boost the investment projects).

Pashinyan and Putin also considered regional cooperation, and other issues of mutual interest.

The Russian leader thanked the chief of Armenia’s cabinet for the visit, and his willingness to accept the invitation to attend the opening of the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

Highlighting Russia’s role as Armenia’s leading trade partner, the Russian president emphasized particularly the past year’s 30% increase in the bilateral turnover (which he said is largely due to the supply of Armenian agricultural produce to the Russian market).

“Armenia’s membership in the Eurasian Economic Union certainly has its contribution to that. So we are hopeful to keep developing [the cooperation] in that direction now. I feel really happy to meet you here today to discuss the entire specter of our relations,” he said.

Accepting the Russian leader’s greetings, Prime Minister Pashinyan congratulated him on the recent national holiday, Russia Day, as well as the honor of hosting the 21st FIFA World Cup.  

“The Armenian-Russian relations are really very special. I am confident that those relations will remain unique and hopeful that they will become more unique over the course of time,” he said, expressing hope also for more frequent dialogues.

“It is common knowledge that the agenda of our relations is very broad in essence as we have many issues to discuss both economically and politically, and in the regional aspect. We are certainly hopeful also for a positive and constructive dialogue which, admittedly, we now really have,” he said, thanking President Putin for the invitation and warm greetings.