Lavrov’s visit to Armenia can be called a ‘brilliant’ success, experts say

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov visited Armenia for two days. The visit attracted significant attention, especially as it took place during a difficult period for bilateral relations. Experts interviewed by NEWS.ru noted that Moscow and Yerevan, despite their disagreements, continue to find common ground, and the results of Lavrov’s visit to Armenia can be described as brilliant.

State Duma member Mikhail Matveyev told NEWS.ru that Russia has always tried to assist Armenia, but openly anti-Russian attacks in the republic are rare. “Under Pashinyan, all of this has developed. And this is purely an external political message to show the West that in the civilizational conflict between Russia and the West, they have chosen the West,” the deputy noted.

According to experts, the greatest instability in Russian-Armenian relations is connected with Yerevan’s course toward closer ties with the West. Expert Sergey Bespalov stated that Armenian authorities will try to avoid sharp shifts in relations with Russia to maintain the advantages provided by the CSTO and the EAEU for as long as possible. Despite the challenging situation, there is still an opportunity to improve relations between the countries, the expert believes.

“There are possibilities for positive changes after the upcoming parliamentary elections in Armenia. Recently, there have been reports that the management of issues concerning relations between Russia and Armenia has been transferred to Sergey Kirienko, First Deputy Head of the Russian Presidential Administration,” Bespalov stated. He recalled that Kirienko already has successful experience in resolving disputes in relations with other countries.