Armenia Hopes to Resolve 'Problematic Issues' with Russia, PM Pashinyan Says

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan voiced optimism about mending relations with Russia and resolving recent "problematic issues" during a joint news conference with Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin in Yekaterinburg. This visit marked Pashinyan's first trip to Russia since his re-election in June.

Pashinyan described the meeting, held during an international industrial exhibition, as an opportunity to "synchronise our watches." He acknowledged that "a number of problematic issues have arisen recently" and expressed hope for their discussion and resolution. This comes amid a period of strained ties, including Moscow's imposition of wide-ranging trade restrictions on Armenian goods prior to the election.

“

A number of problematic issues have arisen recently, and, of course, I hope that we will discuss and resolve these matters.

Despite Armenia's status as a treaty ally of Russia, Pashinyan has steered the South Caucasus nation in a pro-Western direction. This shift has drawn criticism from Moscow, which has previously threatened to suspend Armenia from the Moscow-led Eurasian Economic Union if it pursued European Union membership. Armenia remains heavily dependent on Russia, with Russia accounting for approximately 35% of Armenia's foreign trade last year.

Pashinyan reaffirmed Armenia's commitment to developing relations with the Russian Federation and its keenness to participate in the Eurasian Economic Union. Meanwhile, the EU has provided economic support to Armenia and liberalized some export rules for Armenian goods heading to EU markets since the election.

“

We are committed to the further development of our relations with the Russian Federation. And, of course, we are keen to participate in the Eurasian Economic Union.