Moscow ready to begin constructive dialogue with Yerevan on phytosanitary controls, Overchuk says

Russia is ready to begin a constructive dialogue with Armenia on phytosanitary controls, Russian Deputy PM Alexey Overchuk said, according to TASS.

“The issue is not whether Armenia will come to its senses or not, but that phytosanitary control requirements must be met. Of course, we are ready for such a constructive dialogue. However, unfortunately, we see that there are certain problems on the Armenian side, and accordingly, such a dialogue is taking place,” Overchuk said.

He recalled that Russia’s Agriculture Minister Oksana Lut had recently highlighted the issues surrounding fruit and vegetable imports from Armenia during a meeting with Armenia’s economy minister.

“The issue is not that they are of poor quality, but that they contain pests and diseases,” Russia’s deputy PM said.