PM: Moscow counts on Armenia’s new leadership to maintain friendly relations

Moscow expects Armenia's new government, formed following the country's parliamentary elections, to continue developing relations with Russia in a spirit of friendship and good-neighbourliness, Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin stated.

Speaking during a meeting with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan on the sidelines of the INNOPROM in Yekaterinburg, Mishustin also noted that Pashinyan's trip to Russia marked his first foreign visit since the elections in Armenia.

Relations between Russia and Armenia have experienced notable strains in recent years, driven by Yerevan's efforts to strengthen ties with the European Union and reduce reliance on Russian-led structures.

Armenia suspended its participation in the Russia-led CSTO security alliance and advanced steps toward EU integration, prompting Moscow to issue warnings about incompatible standards and potential economic consequences.

In response, Russian authorities imposed multiple import bans on Armenian products such as cognac, fish, seafood, fruits, vegetables, flowers, and mineral water, citing sanitary and safety issues, amid broader diplomatic pressures including calls for a referendum on EU versus EAEU alignment.

By Jeyhun Aghazada