Kremlin official says Russia cherishes relations with both Armenia and Azerbaijan

Moscow has reiterated its dedication to ensuring peace, stability, and security in the South Caucasus, emphasizing the importance of fostering strong ties with both Azerbaijan and Armenia.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, speaking to reporters, addressed the rising tensions in the region as Baku and Yerevan continue to trade accusations over escalating hostilities, Caliber.Az reports, citing Russian media.

"The South Caucasus is not a distant region for Russia," Peskov remarked, highlighting Russia's vested interest in promoting mutual trust and predictability. "We have good relations with Azerbaijan and Armenia, and we cherish these relationships. We will do everything in our power to further develop them."

When questioned about recent communications between Russian President Vladimir Putin and the leaders of Azerbaijan and Armenia, Peskov confirmed that no contacts had taken place "in [recent] days."

Commenting on Armenia's possible accession to the European Union, Peskov emphasized that such a decision is Armenia's sovereign right but warned of the practical challenges involved.

"What does membership in the EU mean? It is difficult to say at this point because, hypothetically speaking, being a member of two different organizations is impossible," Peskov explained, referring to Armenia's current membership in the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). "We know that membership in the EAEU is beneficial."

Notably, Armenia has been progressively strengthening its relationship with the European Union (EU) over recent years. A significant milestone in this partnership was the signing of the Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement (CEPA) on November 24, 2017, which fully entered into force on March 1, 2021.

This year, Armenia signalled its intention to deepen ties with the EU further. In March 2024, Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan indicated that Armenia was considering seeking EU membership. Subsequently, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan announced plans to apply for EU candidate status by autumn 2024. The European Parliament responded positively to these developments. In March 2024, it passed a resolution acknowledging Armenia's progress in implementing CEPA and confirming that Armenia meets the requirements of Article 49 of the Maastricht Treaty, which allows European countries to apply for EU membership.

Public sentiment in Armenia has also shown increasing support for EU integration. A 2024 opinion poll revealed that 62% of Armenians trust the EU, marking a 19-point increase over two years and indicating a growing public endorsement for closer relations with the EU.

By Khagan Isayev