Moscow still views Armenia as allied state, ambassador says

Relations between Russia and Armenia are currently facing a challenging period and cannot be viewed in isolation from the broader regional and global developments, Russia’s Ambassador to Armenia, Sergey Kopyrkin, said in an interview with Sputnik Armenia.

According to the diplomat, these external influences are being felt, but the priority remains preserving the core foundation of bilateral ties.

“We certainly feel this impact. The main thing is that the core that forms the foundation of our relations is preserved,” Kopyrkin said. He stressed that both sides have demonstrated political will to maintain the relationship and have a clear understanding of its importance. “This is also reflected in the dynamics of the political dialogue between our countries,” he added.

Kopyrkin emphasised that this mutual understanding remains intact. “There is an understanding on both sides of the importance of our relations. From the Russian side, it has always been clearly stated that we view the Armenian people as a brotherly people and Armenia as an allied state,” he said.

The ambassador also drew attention to the notable decline in trade turnover between Armenia and Russia, calling it an issue that warrants attention but not alarm. “This needs to be paid attention to, but there is no need to panic, because to a large extent this decline occurred due to cyclical factors that had previously driven growth in trade turnover in past years,” he explained.

At the same time, Kopyrkin noted that Russia remains Armenia’s key trading partner. “Thirty-five per cent of Armenia’s trade is with the Russian Federation, which is a substantial share,” he said. He described the current moment as “a very difficult stage,” adding that bilateral relations are undergoing “a phase of maturation and transformation.”

Expressing cautious optimism, the ambassador concluded that, despite existing problems, difficulties, and the negative impact of external factors, the fundamental basis of the relationship can be preserved.

“I would like to hope that, despite all the problems and difficulties and the adverse impact of external factors on our relations, the core of our ties will nevertheless be preserved, and that together, on both sides, we will protect these relations from the influence of negative external conditions,” Kopyrkin stressed.

By Tamilla Hasanova