Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan hosted Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov at the Government.
In his welcome remarks, Nikol Pashinyan noted that he is glad to see the Russian Foreign Minister in Armenia.
“The last time you came to Yerevan on an official visit was two years ago. During this period, quite significant changes have taken place in Armenia, as a result of which the relations between our two countries have gained new momentum.
Since my election as Prime Minister, I have met with the President and Prime Minister of Russia on numerous occasions. Over the past 1.5 years, I have had the opportunity to receive the President and Prime Minister of Russia in Yerevan. Recently, the Russian Defence Minister and other high-ranking officials visited Armenia. There is new momentum in our relations.
Recently we reached an agreement that my official visit to Russia will take place next year. After that, the official visit of the Russian President to Armenia will take place. I am glad to note that Armenia’s presidency of the EAEU was quite effective. The recent session of the EAEU Supreme Economic Council in Yerevan was unprecedented in its scale. I am glad that during our presidency we signed an agreement with Serbia and Singapore, signed a free trade agreement with Iran, and also with China,” said Pashinyan, adding that trade turnover with Russia this year is expected to reach 2 billion dollars.
The Prime Minister of Armenia expressed confidence that Lavrov’s visit will give new impetus to Armenian-Russian allied relations.
“You recently stated, and I too look at our relations with great optimism,” said the Prime Minister.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov thanked Nikol Pashinyan for the reception, emphasising the close cooperation between the economic departments of Armenia and Russia. The Russian Foreign Minister also stated that a Russian-Armenian interregional forum will take place in Armenia next year.
It is noteworthy that Lavrov was confused and addressed Pashinyan as “Mr. President.”
The Russian President, referring to the political changes that took place in Armenia last year, noted that they had not hindered ensuring the continuity of relations between the two countries or developing allied relations.
Lavrov added that there are close contacts between Armenia and Russia in all directions. “We are glad that bilateral trade is developing. Russia is Armenia’s leading partner and number one investor. Cooperation within the EAEU, CSTO and CIS is, of course, at the centre of our attention, and we congratulate Armenia on its effective presidency of the EAEU. In literally two weeks, another important event will take place in Bishkek — this time the CSTO summit, where we will determine our interaction on issues related to military-political security,” said Lavrov.
Let us recall that the Russian Foreign Minister arrived in Armenia on an official visit yesterday, 10 November.
