Russian FM due to visit Armenia for talks with PM Pashinyan

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov will hold meetings with Pashinyan, the Armenian Foreign Minister, and the President of Armenia during his visit to Armenia on May 20–21.

"On May 20–21, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Viktorovich Lavrov will visit Yerevan on a working visit. Detailed negotiations are planned with the Foreign Minister of the Republic of Armenia, Ararat Samvelovich Mirzoyan, and talks are expected with Prime Minister Nikol Vovaevich Pashinyan and President Vahagn Garnikovich Khachaturyan," the Russian Foreign Ministry stated, Caliber.Az reports, citing Russian media. 

Notably, Sergey Lavrov's anticipated visit to Armenia comes at a time of shifting regional dynamics in the South Caucasus. Moscow and Yerevan have long maintained close political, military, and economic ties, stemming from Armenia’s membership in Russian-led organizations such as the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). However, relations have become strained in recent years due to Russia’s perceived inaction during clashes between Armenia and Azerbaijan, particularly during and after the 2020 Second Karabakh War and subsequent border incidents.

One key area of focus in bilateral relations is southern Syunik (Western Zangezur - ed.) province, a region of significant strategic importance. Syunik borders both Iran and Azerbaijan and is located along the proposed Zangezur Corridor—a transport route sought by Azerbaijan to link its mainland to its exclave Nakhchivan through Armenian territory. The corridor has been a point of contention, with Armenia resisting what it sees as an attempt to compromise its sovereignty.

Armenia’s decision not to host CSTO military drills and its humanitarian aid to Ukraine have further signalled a shift in foreign policy. Against this backdrop, Lavrov’s meetings with Armenian leadership are expected to focus on regional security, the future of Russian-Armenian ties, and the evolving geopolitical dynamics in the South Caucasus.

By Khagan Isayev