Peskov says Russia-Armenia ties will develop

PanARMENIAN.Net - Relations between Russia and Armenia will continue to develop, Russian presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov has said.

According to Peskov, the two countries maintain numerous areas of cooperation that remain on the bilateral agenda, RIA Novosti reported.

“We will continue our relations with Armenia. We have many common projects and interests. Russia is a major investor in Armenia, so there is much work to be done, and our relations will continue to develop,” Peskov said.

He added that the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) is a more effective integration framework for Armenia than other potential alternatives.

“We are convinced that this integration process, particularly the EAEU, contributes a significant percentage to Armenia’s GDP growth every year. We are also convinced that, in all its qualitative characteristics, our integration process substantially surpasses other alternatives,” Peskov stated.

He expressed hope that the Armenian people and the country’s current leadership would reach the same conclusion after analyzing the situation.

At a meeting of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council in Astana on May 29, the presidents of four EAEU member states — Russia, Kazakhstan, Belarus and Kyrgyzstan — adopted a statement concerning Armenia. The document proposed that Armenia hold a referendum as soon as possible on choosing between the EAEU and the European Union.

In recent days, various Russian officials have also stated that if Armenia continues moving closer to the European Union, it could lose access to Russian natural gas supplied on preferential terms.

Russia has also imposed restrictions on imports of certain Armenian products. These include bans on imports of Jermuk mineral water, flowers and some alcoholic beverages, as well as restrictions affecting several agricultural products. Since June 2, Russia has restricted imports and transit to other EAEU countries of cherries, apricots, peaches, plums, grapes and other stone fruits from Armenia. Since June 3, restrictions have also applied to imports of Armenian eggplants, potatoes and dried fruits.