Top lawmaker: Russia and Armenia still close, trade at record high Following talks with PM Pashinyan

There is no crisis of trust between Russia and Armenia, Valentina Matviyenko, Chairwoman of the Federation Council of the Russian Federation, declared following her meeting with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan in Yerevan.

Her remarks came during an official visit to Armenia on June 5-6, Caliber.Az reports, citing Armenian media.

Matviyenko emphasised the depth and openness of her exchange with Pashinyan, describing their conversation as “very substantive, constructive and friendly.” According to the Federation Council’s press service, the one-on-one meeting between the two officials lasted “significantly longer than planned.”

“We had a very long one-on-one meeting with the Prime Minister of Armenia today,” Matviyenko said. “It was a very substantive, constructive and friendly conversation.”

She rejected any speculation suggesting a breakdown in relations between Moscow and Yerevan, calling such suggestions mere “insinuations.” Matviyenko underscored that there remains a clear and mutual understanding of developments in the South Caucasus, and that the bilateral agenda between the two countries is being recalibrated to reflect evolving realities “on the ground.”

As part of their discussion, Prime Minister Pashinyan reaffirmed the strength of his relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin, according to Matviyenko.

“[Pashinyan] said he has always had, and will continue to have, constructive and substantive relations with Russian President Vladimir Putin,” Matviyenko noted. “In a wide variety of situations, sometimes complex, they always find mutual understanding and the necessary solution.”

She also highlighted the strong economic dimension of Russian-Armenian relations. “We went through the entire agenda of bilateral relations. Of course, this is primarily the trade and economic relationship between Russia and Armenia. They are developing very dynamically, and last year saw a record volume of mutual trade,” she said.

Matviyenko characterised her visit to Armenia as both timely and filled with meaningful engagement. She stressed the importance of maintaining and expanding bilateral cooperation, noting that over 70 Russian federal subjects currently engage with Armenia in varying capacities. Of these, 20 have already signed formal cooperation agreements.

Business ties are also deepening, she said, pointing out the growing interest of Russian companies in the Armenian market. “The number of companies in Armenia with Russian capital has now exceeded 40,” she stated.

According to Matviyenko, the Armenian authorities assured her that they have created a favourable environment for Russian business. “They welcome the participation of Russian business and a favourable economic, business and investment climate has been established,” she concluded.

By Tamilla Hasanova