FM Lavrov: Armenia remains Russia’s ally, strategic partner

Russia finds claims of a northern threat from Armenia puzzling, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said during a meeting with Armenian Parliament Speaker Alen Simonyan in Moscow, stressing that Armenia remains Russia’s ally and strategic partner.

Addressing recent statements from Yerevan about hybrid threats, Lavrov noted that the EU constantly pressures Armenia to choose between alignment with Russia or with Brussels, Caliber.Az reports via Armenian media. 

He expressed hope that Armenia understands the broader context, pointing out that the EU has declared a form of “war” on Russia and aims to deliver it a “strategic defeat.”

Lavrov emphasised that Moscow recognises Armenia’s willingness to maintain ties with Russia, although this is not welcomed by all non-regional actors.

“We hear from Armenian leadership their interest in preserving the current level of cooperation with the Russian Federation, yet, on the other hand, some outside actors are not pleased. Our colleagues in the EU are actively pursuing opposite courses,” he said, stressing that Russia has no objection to Armenia developing external partnerships in other directions.

“Russia is interested in strengthening relations with Armenia, our ally and strategic partner. Over recent years, our contacts at the highest political and parliamentary levels have developed steadily and intensively, which we value. Armenia is our ally, our strategic partner, and we recognise how complex the situation is in the South Caucasus,” Lavrov added.

Earlier, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan stated that Yerevan will remain in the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) as long as feasible, noting that the country can simultaneously retain membership while pursuing European-standard reforms in governance and state development.

By Jeyhun Aghazada