Moscow says FM Lavrov’s visit to Armenia under discussion

The visit of Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov to Armenia is currently being discussed, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said during her weekly briefing.

Zakharova was asked whether the date and agenda of the anticipated May visit had been confirmed and whether the visit is linked to the planned opening of a Russian consulate in Armenia’s Syunik region, Caliber.Az reports, citing Russian media.

“As for the visit of Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov to Armenia, I can say that it is being worked out. We will definitely share detailed information with you in due course,” Zakharova responded.

She added that further information would also be provided regarding the second part of the question.

Armenia’s Foreign Ministry had earlier confirmed that Lavrov's visit is expected to take place in the near future.

Notably, Sergey Lavrov's anticipated visit to Armenia comes at a time of shifting regional dynamics and tensions in the South Caucasus. Moscow and Yerevan have long maintained close political, military, and economic ties, stemming from Armenia’s membership in Russian-led organizations such as the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). However, relations have become strained in recent years due to Russia’s perceived inaction during clashes between Armenia and Azerbaijan, particularly during and after the 2020 Second Karabakh War and subsequent border incidents.

One key area of focus in bilateral relations is southern Syunik (Western Zangezur - ed.) province, a region of significant strategic importance. Syunik borders both Iran and Azerbaijan and is located along the proposed Zangezur Corridor—a transport route sought by Azerbaijan to link its mainland to its exclave Nakhchivan through Armenian territory. The corridor has been a point of contention, with Armenia resisting what it sees as an attempt to compromise its sovereignty.

By Khagan Isayev