Pashinyan rules out Armenia’s exit from EAEU despite EU push

Armenia will continue its policy of closer ties with the European Union (EU) while maintaining its membership in the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and further developing relations with Russia and other member states of the bloc.

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan made the statement during a press conference when asked by the Russian newspaper Izvestia whether Yerevan would continue its course of rapprochement with the European Union.

“We will continue our course of rapprochement with the European Union, but we will also continue our participation and membership in the Eurasian Economic Union and will continue to develop relations with Russia and the other member states of the Eurasian Economic Union. We will, of course, contribute to strengthening ties within the framework of the Eurasian Economic Union,” Pashinyan added.

Asked whether he had spoken with any Western leaders after the publication of Armenia’s preliminary parliamentary election results, Pashinyan said he had already held a conversation with French President Emmanuel Macron, although it was informal.

He added that he had also had an informal conversation with Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze.

By Jeyhun Aghazada