Armenia to avoid clash with Russia over EAEU, Pashinyan says

Armenia will not enter into disputes with Russia regarding the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), but the bloc must demonstrate new and positive opportunities for the country, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has said.

Pashinyan made the remarks during a meeting with voters as part of his election campaign, Caliber.Az reports via local media.

“I had a very warm, friendly conversation with the President of the Russian Federation, and we have very warm, friendly relations. And I tell our partners that it is not a good path when they try to present what harm the EAEU can bring to Armenia. This is not a friendly conversation. The right path is to show what new benefits the EAEU can bring to Armenia,” he said.

Pashinyan emphasized that Armenia would avoid confrontation with Russia.

“As we have had friendly relations, we will continue to do so, calmly, without nerves, we will explain,” he noted.

He also stressed that Armenia should not be forced to choose between economic development and national interests.

“Let them not put before us a choice between pepper and the state. In Armenia, both roses and peppers and apricots will grow, and exports will double, increase fourfold, including to EAEU countries,” Pashinyan said.

The Armenian prime minister further stated that within the EAEU, he has “sufficient levers to solve all problems on the spot after the elections.”

By Vafa Guliyeva