Russia reassures no threat to visa-free travel with Armenia amid EU negotiations

Spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry Maria Zakharova has said that the EU discussions with Armenia on simplifying visa issuance for Armenian citizens will not negatively impact the existing visa-free regime between Armenia and Russia.

On September 9, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan announced during a meeting with European Commission Vice President Margaritis Schinas that Yerevan and Brussels are commencing negotiations to liberalise the visa regime, Caliber.Az reports, citing Russian media.

Zakharova emphasised at a briefing that Russia does not foresee any adverse effects or negative impacts from these negotiations on the visa-free arrangement between Russia and Armenia.

She also noted that Brussels would gain leverage over Yerevan's policy following the initiation of visa-free regime talks with the EU. Meanwhile, Zakharova noted that Russia also clarified its stance on the Zangezur Corridor to the Iranian side.

"We are in constant contact with our partners and have provided all necessary explanations on this matter. We believe that our arguments have been heard and understood in Tehran. It is clear that certain circles are trying to use any opportunity, however absurd, to create discord in the expanding strategic partnership between Moscow and Tehran. Those behind such provocations are not acting without Western influence," she said.

Last week, media reports indicated that the Iranian Foreign Ministry summoned the Russian ambassador to Tehran regarding Moscow's alleged support for the Zangezur Corridor project. This corridor would connect mainland Azerbaijan with its exclave, the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic. Iranian media have highlighted Tehran's opposition to the creation of this transport route, citing concerns that it could potentially undermine Iran's direct access to Armenia.

Zakharova also stressed that Berlin has not informed Moscow about any "peace plan" by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz for resolving the Ukrainian conflict. The information about such a plan is merely rumours and unverified data. 

"There have been no direct or indirect communications, materials, or information from the German leadership, either directly or through intermediaries. We are unaware of any such plan. These are just leaks and rumours without official confirmation. Therefore, there is essentially nothing to comment on," she added. 

Zakharova has also claimed that the West is driving Moldova towards a disaster akin to the one experienced in Ukraine.

"Moldova is being pushed towards the same kind of catastrophe from the West that has been tested in Ukraine," she stated.

Zakharova noted that as the Moldovan presidential elections, scheduled for October 20, approach, Chisinau is intensifying its anti-Russian rhetoric.