FM: Armenia enticed by West’s “vague” promises instead of union with Russia

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said that Yerevan, swayed by the West, is trying to replace the union with Moscow with vague promises.

"Unfortunately, official Yerevan, having succumbed to the West’s persuasions, is attempting to reformat its foreign policy course. It is trading in the time-tested alliance with Moscow not even for the West’s concrete help but merely for vague promises," the top Russian diplomat said in an exclusive interview with TASS on the results of 2023.

"In order to justify the strategic turnaround, they are attempting to blame Russia for all the republic’s problems, including the loss of Karabakh. We have repeatedly voiced Russia’s concerns publicly - it makes no sense right now to list again the unfriendly steps of Armenian authorities," Lavrov added.

He noted that Armenia has been and remains Russia’s strategic partner in the South Caucasus.

"We are convinced that all difficulties [in relations between Russia and Armenia] are temporary and will be overcome if political will is present," he said.

According to the minister, "sustainable and gradual development of Russian-Armenian ties meets core interests of the people of the two states, which share common values and a single cultural code."

"The trade and economic ties and the industry dialogue between Moscow and Yerevan develop at an impressive rate. This is a foundation for relations between the two countries, and the most important support for development of the Armenian economy and the welfare of the Armenian people," Lavrov said.

He underscored that the rapid growth of Armenia’s GDP in recent years "is largely caused by the cooperation with Russia and by Yeveran’s membership in the Eurasian Economic Union [EAEU]."

"Next year, Armenia will chair the EAEU. We wish our colleagues success," the foreign minister said.