Armenia seeks deeper Russia ties while strengthening EU partnership

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan says Yerevan wants to deepen ties with Moscow while strengthening its partnership with the European Union as part of a balanced foreign policy.

Yerevan pursues ‘balancing policy’

Pashinyan said Armenia was diversifying its foreign relations as part of what he described as a “balancing policy”.

He said Yerevan’s relationship with Moscow was changing following the establishment of peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan, with around 90 per cent of previous Armenia-Russia interaction focused on security.

“We are constructively minded; we want to transform and deepen our relations with the Russian Federation in a constructive manner. And we want to deepen our friendly, fraternal relations with the Russian Federation,” he said.

Pashinyan’s remarks underline Yerevan’s efforts to broaden its international partnerships while reshaping its long-standing relationship with Moscow.

EU ties remain a priority

Pashinyan also met European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in New York for talks on Armenia-EU cooperation.

The Armenian prime minister stressed the importance of EU support for the country’s economic diversification and democratic reforms.

Von der Leyen said the EU would continue to support Armenian government programmes and deepen cooperation across a range of sectors.

The two also discussed regional issues, as Yerevan pursues closer cooperation with European institutions alongside its continuing relationship with Russia.

Read more:

• Pashinyan says Armenia would not oppose Russian military base withdrawal
• EU tariff move for Armenian goods sends ‘clear signal’ to Yerevan

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News Russia Armenia European Union Ursula Von der Leyen