Russian Embassy: return of Moscow, Yerevan to direct dialogue is the  only reasonable  decision

ArmInfo.Russia has always attached particular importance to strengthening friendly ties with  Armenia as an ally and important partner. This is stated in the message of the Embassy of the Russian Federation in the Republic of Armenia on the occasion of the 32nd anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the countries.

 "32 years ago, on April 3, 1992, diplomatic relations were established between the Russian Federation and the Republic of Armenia, two new post-Soviet states with an ancient history. This agreement marked the beginning  of a new stage in the relations between our countries, whose peoples  have always treated each other with the most friendly and warm  feelings. Just a few years after this basic document, the Treaty of  Friendship, Cooperation and Mutual Assistance was signed between both  countries, and this is not by chance," the message says.

The embassy emphasized that both peoples, committed to common  traditional values and national identity, have always been open and  interested in mutual dialogue. "Over the past time, we have come a  long way. We have accumulated invaluable experience of positive,  constructive interaction for the benefit of both interested parties.  Russia and Armenia are members of common integration associations:  the EAEU, the CSTO and the CIS. We interact in UN bodies and other  international formats. Between our countries have about two hundred  cooperation agreements in a variety of fields. There are many  mechanisms of bilateral cooperation in almost all areas, from  economic and military-technical to interregional ties and youth  forums. Separately, we would like to highlight interaction in the  field of culture, education and science. Efforts, aimed at  strengthening the moral basis of international relations through the  civilizational "bridge" of culture - a significant contribution to  creating conditions for genuine partnership. Suffice it to recall  such iconic, outstanding figures who enriched the Russian-Armenian  joint heritage, such as the marine painter I.K. Aivazovsky, the poet  E.A. Charents, composers A.A. Spendiarov, A.I. Khachaturyan, A.A.   Babajanyan, diplomat and writer A.S. Griboyedov, many other famous  personalities. A special place in our common history is occupied by  outstanding military leaders of the Russian Empire and the Soviet  Union: D.A. Delyanov, M.P. Lazarev, I.Kh. Baghramyan, I.S. Isakov,  A.Kh.  Babajanyan, S.A. Khudyakov . The security sector also plays a  very important role in the complex of our relations. The Russian  102nd military base and the presence of Russian border guards  continue to be an invaluable factor in ensuring stability in Armenia  and the South Caucasus as a whole. Cooperation in the economic sector  is developing dynamically. Russia is Armenia's largest trading  partner with a total share of 35.4% in its foreign trade, as well as  a key investor, with a share of more than 40%. The total volume of  bilateral trade turnover for 11 months of 2023 amounted to $6.3  billion (an increase of 40.8% compared to the same period last year).  More than 40 large enterprises with 100 percent or partial  participation of Russian capital operate in the leading sectors of  the Republic's economy, and many of them are the largest taxpayers  and employers in Armenia.  Domestic entrepreneurs traditionally pay  great attention to the social responsibility of business, and the  enterprises they open are an integral part of the business landscape  of Armenia and contribute to the development of the Republic," the  statement says.

The document emphasizes that the high economic indicators of Armenia  last year (GDP growth was about 8%), according to many experts, are  largely due to cooperation with Russia, as well as membership in the  EAEU.  Notably, Yerevan is the leader in terms of economic growth  rates among the Union countries in 2023.

Last year, Armenia's exports to the countries of the Eurasian  Economic Union increased by 41% and amounted to $3.6 billion. Armenia  sold the most goods to Russia for $3.4 billion (an increase of 38.8%  by 2022), and there was a significant increase in trade with all EAEU  countries - exports to Kyrgyzstan increased 4.8 -fold to $27 million  USA, to Kazakhstan - 3.8-fold to 71 million US dollars, to Belarus -  by 19.5% to 92 million US dollars.

From January 1 this year, Chairmanship of the Union passed from  Moscow to Yerevan. " We are pleased to note that the priority  directions of the Armenian chairmanship presented by Prime Minister  N.V. Pashinyan to the heads of state of the EAEU are in many ways  consonant with our views on Eurasian economic integration. For its  part, the Russian Federation supports its partner's spirit for  fruitful work and is ready to provide it with everything it needs  assistance. Over the past decades, a lot has changed. Both the  countries themselves and the world in which we live have changed.  Unfortunately, in our communication there are contradictions and  mutual claims. But the basis of bilateral relations remains the same:  Close, allied ties between Russia and Armenia, interaction in all  areas is what meets the fundamental, true interests of both Russians  and Armenians. We are convinced that the correction of imbalances  accumulated as a result of direct dialogue between Moscow and  Yerevan, the return to "alliance normality" is not only possible, but  also the only reasonable decision," the document says.