The outgoing year was marked by Armenia’s choice between Europe and integration in post-Soviet space as well as active discussion of the latter options, a political analyst noted.

As Andrey Areshev stated at an international round table in Yerevan, in the early 19th century, Persian Empire-ruled Transcaucasia’s joining Russia under the Treaty of Gulistan was of major importance for regional states, as well as from the viewpoint of political rivalry between Russia, Persia and Turkey.

According to the expert, the pro-Western line, specific to post-Russian policy of the 1990s is getting reexamined, with alternative projects aimed at strengthening of economic, social, cultural ties with the neighboring countries gaining momentum.

“Russian-Iranian ties based on the national interests of the two states are a factor in preservation of sustainable peace and stability in the neighboring regions. Russia’s policy in South Caucasus is aimed at mutually beneficial economic integration, peaceful settlement of conflicts and moderate involvement of external players in the regional policy – in full accordance with the spirit of the Treaty of Gulistan,” the expert concluded.