The meeting between the Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan and the President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin took place within the framework of the 7th Eastern Economic Forum on "On the Way to a Multipolar World" held in Vladivostok.
In his speech, the Russian President particularly said, “Dear Nikol Vovayevich, we are in constant contact with you: regular meetings, telephone conversations on current topical issues, but nevertheless, meeting you personally today, I consider it important to mention that this year we mark the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations, the 25th anniversary of the signing of the fundamental agreement.
Our relations are developing in all directions. We work in our organizations, both in the economic organization and in the CSTO, I mean, ensuring security and stability. In the near future, you are also planning to attend the events planned within the framework of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization in Uzbekistan, where there will be opportunities to meet and negotiate with your partners once again.
Russia confidently maintains the first place among Armenia's trade and economic partners. Trade turnover has recently increased by approximately 25-30 percent. We really notice economic stabilization in Armenia. Your government has done a lot in that direction.
Of course, one of the most sensitive issues is about ensuring security around Nagorno Karabakh. We always talk about it, we are always in touch. And I am happy to talk about all these issues during your visit to Russia, within the framework of the economic forum in Vladivostok.
We are expanding the range of companies and people who cooperate with each other. In the near future, business operators are also going to meet, and they will also hold a regional forum. Other events are also planned, including in humanitarian, cultural and educational fields.
Thank you very much for accepting the invitation and visiting the economic forum in Vladivostok."
In turn, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said. "Thank you very much, Vladimir Vladimirovich. Let me once again thank you for the invitation to participate in the Eastern Economic Forum. To be honest, I enjoyed the forum (it's still going on, of course), I'm impressed with Vladivostok, it's a great place. I hope there will be opportunities to visit also in the future and not only for work purposes, but also for other occasions.
Of course, as you already mentioned, this year was a very important year for our relations, I mean the anniversaries related to both the CSTO and our bilateral relations.
Russia is the closest partner and strategic ally of the Republic of Armenia. And particularly in these difficult times, constant communication and clarification of positions are very important.
You mentioned, I also want to mention the mission of Russian peacekeepers in Nagorno Karabakh. I have to admit, this is not an easy mission. We have talked about it many times. We highly appreciate the activities of Russian peacekeepers in Nagorno-Karabakh, in the Lachin Corridor, and I think it is very important to highlight that. In general, in the sense of ensuring security in Nagorno-Karabakh, there are nuances that we constantly discuss, and I think that it will be very appropriate to discuss these issues also today.
The issues related to trade and economic relations between our countries are also of a traditional nature. It is very gratifying that in the post-pandemic period, our trade and economic relations have not only been restored, but there are also some new positive developments, which we talked about during the forum.
Of course, the agenda of our relations is very rich, and I am sure that we will have a meaningful and intense conversation today as well. Thanks again for the warm reception."
