Russia and Armenia to continue discussing challenges, FM affirms

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov emphasized the importance of open and honest bilateral dialogue between Moscow and Yerevan during a press conference following talks with Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan, Caliber.Az reports referencing Russian media sources.

"Today, Ararat Samvelovich and I agreed that from now on, as we did at previous meetings, we will also, frankly and honestly, discuss any concerns Armenia has toward Russia and vice versa," Lavrov said. "We will also try to ensure that the media space is not exploited by ill-wishers of our countries, aiming to turn our normal working relations into something difficult."

He reiterated the commitment to open dialogue, stating, "I will say once again that we fully understand the need for open, honest communication, and the example is set for us by our leaders. I am convinced this is the right approach, and I think my colleague and comrade agrees with this."

Lavrov also noted that no international relations are without their challenges. "I don't know any country where relations would be simple," he remarked. "Imagine this: we have simple relations with country X. But there is no such thing; in any relationship, there are issues that require solutions. The closer the countries and peoples are, the richer their interaction in all spheres—political, security, economic, humanitarian, and cultural. And the richer the relations, the more events are held, the more practical issues arise."

He further pointed out that some political issues in the relationship between Russia and Armenia may have been deliberately aggravated by certain circles. "This was discussed by President [Vladimir] Putin and Prime Minister [Nikol] Pashinyan, including during their meetings in the last few months, with two meetings and a telephone conversation," Lavrov concluded.

By Tamilla Hasanova