Russia values strategic relations with Armenia - Vladimir Putin 

ArmInfo.Following a trilateral meeting, Vladimir Putin held a private meeting with  Armenia`s Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. 

"As we said after our trilateral meeting, and I think you will agree  with it, the meeting was instrumental and timely in view of the  previous and current developments. We have gathered here to thwart  any tragic events on the border and in general between the two  countries and peoples, so as to move forward, as we said. All the  region's nations - Russia, Armenia and Azerbaijan, are interested in  that. Let us hope that the agreements we reached today will bring  positive results as soon as possible," the Russian leader said.  

"Regarding our bilateral relations, we said repeatedly, and I want to  stress it again, that relations between Russia and Armenia are of a  strategic and allied nature rooted deep in history. We value that  very much and we will continue maintaining this level of contacts in  every possible way," the Russian leader said.  

"Economically, Russia is Armenia's biggest trade and economic partner  and the biggest investor in the Armenian economy. True, last year the  turnover slumped somewhat. However, this year it is progressing  rapidly, I would say, and I hope that we will reach the pre-pandemic  level and move beyond it. I am confident that now, after the  trilateral format (you know and we agreed about the schedule that I  meet with President of Azerbaijan prior to the trilateral meeting)  during our bilateral meeting we have a chance to discuss the entire  range of our bilateral ties," stated the Russian leader.  

In his turn, Armenia`s premier thanked the Russian leader for his  invitation and for organizing the meeting.  "Obviously, our bilateral  relations are very important. You have already stressed that Russia  and Armenia have strategic and allied relations. We have a very  packed agenda practically in all areas. We are cooperating, and we  have an agenda within CSTO, CIS, the Eurasian Economic Union.  

"However, I have to acknowledge that during our recent meetings we  have discussed mostly the regional agenda because it has many  interdependent issues.

"I want to highlight again the role you played in stopping the 44-day  war and deploying Russian peacekeepers in Nagorno-Karabakh.  Stabilising factors are crucial in our region. You have underscored a  number of times today the importance of settling the Nagorno-Karabakh  problem. This issue is invariably discussed at our bilateral meetings  as well.

"Since we have already covered regional issues, I want to note that  that despite economic and other difficulties, Russian investments in  the Republic of Armenia seem to be on the rise this year. This is  very important for us because I think it is a sign for investors that  the Republic of Armenia is a very reliable country, and this matters  a lot of us.

"Of course, COVID-related economic problems, regretfully, persist but  we recently noticed with satisfaction the stepping-up of the turnover  within the Eurasian Economic Union. This is very important, too.

"I hope we will be able to ultimately arrive at the solution on  opening all economic and transport communications in our region,  which will do a great deal to energise trade and economic relations  within the EAEU and Armenian-Russian bilateral ties," Pashinyan said. 

In response, President Vladimir Putin said: 

"I completely agree with you. These communications, transport routes  we spoke about in the trilateral format today, are crucial for all  the countries in the region, including Russia, because we are  interested in these transport routes with our strategic partner  Armenia being reliable, diversified and readily available all year  round, which is key. I hope we will move onto the final stages of  this work. There are some points I saw today that require additional  coordination but they are not of fundamental nature, which also  became obvious during our discussions today.

"As for purely economic and pragmatic issues, I can say that  everything has been basically agreed on, so I have no doubt that the  progress will be noticeable and positive very soon. And you are  absolutely right and I agree with you, we spoke about this during the  trilateral discussion: as soon as people see how everything has begun  working, the region will have a different atmosphere, there is no  doubt about that. Therefore, I want to thank you for today's  constructive conversation.

"Meanwhile, we also have an opportunity to speak about bilateral  issues. We maintain regular contacts, we often meet and speak  regularly over the phone. But today we have a chance to speak in  person, so let us seize this opportunity."