ArmInfo. The domestic political events in Armenia did not affect and did not change the strategic relations between the two countries, Russian Ambassador to Armenia Sergey Kopirkin told at press conference on December 18.
He noted that the events in Armenia did not lead to basic changes in strategic relations between the two countries, as evidenced by the intensity of communication at the highest level. Both parliamentary cooperation and interaction between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs are developing quite intensively, and we also continue to develop cooperation in the cultural and educational sphere. In addition, the Ambassador noted that trade and economic relations began to develop more actively. "I want to emphasize that Armenia's membership in the EAEU allowed increasing the trade turnover between our countries by 17% in the first 9 months of 2018.
Kopirkin stated that Russia is ready to assist Armenia in every possible way in solving urgent problems and is set to deepen and expand fraternal relations with deep historical roots. "In a rapidly changing world, we must reach the level of relations that will be relevant in the current realities," noted the head of the Russian diplomatic mission. The Ambassador also wished success to the new parliament: "I wish the representatives of the new National Assembly to meet the expectations of the people of Armenia."
When asked why Russian President Vladimir Putin did not congratulate the Acting Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan, with a victory in the parliamentary elections, Kopirkin noted: "The fact is that, firstly, the protocol factor operates. The Interstate Protocol operates and according to it this kind of congratulations are not accepted. As a rule, congratulations are sent after someone's appointment. And we do not follow at all the schedule for the formation of power structures", the Ambassador explained. He stressed that the essence of this situation is expressed in the comment of the official representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry Maria Zakharova -" Russia is set up for a constructive dialogue with Armenia and the development of relations ". To note, on December 9, early parliamentary elections were held in Armenia. According to their results, the "My step" bloc, headed by the acting Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan got 70.44% of the vote.