Pashinyan: Russian restrictions on Armenian goods turn people against EAEU

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has criticised recent Russian restrictions on Armenian agricultural exports, saying such measures could damage public attitudes toward the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU).

Speaking to an Izvestia journalist, Pashinyan said the restrictions were counterproductive and risk undermining regional economic integration, Caliber.Az reports via Armenian media.

“I believe these are misguided steps because they turn people against the EAEU. And as a high-ranking official in the EAEU, I consider this a problem. But we will resolve all issues,” the prime minister said.

Russia has recently imposed limits on imports of several Armenian agricultural products, citing phytosanitary concerns. Armenian officials have disputed the scale of the issue, arguing that it does not reflect systemic problems in the country’s agricultural sector.

Responding to questions on food safety standards, Pashinyan acknowledged that there may be isolated issues involving individual companies but rejected broader concerns.

“There are problems at individual companies, and this happens everywhere, including in Russia. But overall, we have a very good control system, and we continue to improve the quality of our agricultural products,” he noted.

By Sabina Mammadli