Tsarukyan calls to restore brotherly ties with Russia

PanARMENIAN.Net - Gagik Tsarukyan, founder of Prosperous Armenia and businessman, insists Armenia should maintain its membership in the Eurasian Economic Union while deepening ties with its member states.

Gagik Tsarukyan, the business leader and founder of the Prosperous Armenia party, told Sputnik Armenia that it is vital for Armenia to participate at a high level in international initiatives such as the Saint Petersburg International Economic Forum.

He stated: “Armenia must take part in this international economic forum every year. The vast number of investors and businessmen shows that opportunities across many sectors are vast. I am convinced participation in such large forums will bring Armenia a great deal.”

He emphasized that this involvement could also contribute to the restoration of Armenia’s brotherly relations with Russia. Tsarukyan argued that deepening engagement would support the country’s economic growth, prosperity, and security: “For centuries our peoples have been friends and lived together.”

He lamented that Armenian youth do not fully appreciate this: “We must inform young people about how much Russia does for Armenia. All major countries now seek to normalize relations with Russia, but official Yerevan spoils them. That is unacceptable — relations must be restored.”

Tsarukyan believes Armenia’s choice between the EU and the EAEU should be clear: the country needs not only to stay within the Eurasian Economic Union, but also to deepen integration with the ‘five’ member states: “All our production is aimed at the EAEU, largely the Russian market. That market has existed for centuries and continues to function. You cannot build a similar market with the West at the same level.”

He also highlighted the importance of preserving shared historical memory with Russia, particularly regarding Armenians who participated in the Great Patriotic War: “Approximately 600,000 Armenians took part, 300,000 did not return home. They were Soviet heroes — marshals, admirals, generals — many officers and soldiers. They made a decisive contribution to Victory alongside other Soviet peoples. We must remember their feats, be proud, and tell our youth about them.”

Tsarukyan added that his party has organized several events in Armenia dedicated to the Victory anniversary, focusing on assisting veterans, TV programming, opening of the Hovhannes Baghramyan Battle Glory Museum, photo exhibitions, releasing commemorative cognac, awarding grants, parades, and more.

The Saint Petersburg International Economic Forum is held June 18–21.