Russia expects to resume a full-fledged partnership with Armenia within the framework of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), the doors are open for Yerevan, official representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry Maria Zakharova said at a briefing today.
“We expect that in the interests of the future security of a friendly country, and of the entire region, our partnership with Armenia within the CSTO will be fully resumed,” she said. “We confirm that at this stage the doors are open for Yerevan to return to full-scale cooperation within the CSTO.”
The diplomat emphasized that Russia does not question the sovereign right of each state to independently determine its foreign policy course, including regarding participation in CSTO events. “De jure, Yerevan remains a full member of the CSTO, which is the only mechanism for ensuring peace and stability in the South Caucasus,” she noted. “Armenia retains all relevant rights and obligations.”
Zakharova voiced hope that Armenian partners will “overcome their doubts and resume joint work with Russia.”
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has opted out of the CSTO summit to be held on November 28 in Astana.
Armenia has previously announced that it is freezing its participation in CSTO events. According to the Armenian side, the alliance has not fulfilled its obligations towards Armenia.
