Lavrov: Regional security occupies a significant place in our actions toward the South Caucasus

Yerevan is Moscow’s natural strategic partner and ally, interested in developing friendly relations, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said at the opening of talks with Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan.

“The past year was not easy for bilateral relations. Today, we are determined to sincerely discuss all agenda issues that are important in the spirit of the atmosphere supported by our leaders—President Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. You are important to Russia,” Lavrov noted.

“I am sure we will now constructively examine all existing issues. We have always valued and continue to appreciate the fraternal ties with the Armenian people, with Armenia, our natural strategic partner and ally,” the diplomat added.

According to him, Russia is ready to support the normalization of relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan in all areas. “We are prepared to provide the necessary assistance to normalize relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan in all directions of the tripartite agreements reached by the leaders of the three countries in 2020 and 2022,” the minister stated. He noted that from Moscow’s perspective, “these agreements remain relevant, especially in light of the current situation in the region.”

“Regional security occupies a significant place in our actions toward the South Caucasus,” Lavrov added. He also noted that trade and economic relations between Moscow and Yerevan are experiencing growth. “We just spoke about trade and economic relations that are developing. Trade turnover has reached record levels, reaching nearly $12 billion last year,” Lavrov said. He stated that cooperation within the EAEU is yielding impressive results in economic relations with Armenia.