ArmInfo.Russian-Armenian relations are currently facing challenges, largely attributed to the actions of the West. The West has increased pressure on Armenia, prompting it to break traditional ties with Russia and adopt values that are unfamiliar to the Armenian people. This was stated by the Russian Foreign Ministry in response to media inquiries prior to a press conference with Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov regarding the accomplishments of the work of Russian diplomacy in 2024.
"Unfortunately, Armenia often shows favoritism towards the unfounded promises of the US and the EU over Russia as a strategic partner. However, the CSTO remains the cornerstone of Armenia's security, and EAEU membership is the key to its economic prosperity. We have consistently reminded our Armenian friends that neither Washington nor Brussels think about the fate and interests of their allies. The West views Armenia exclusively through the prism of practical benefits. Yerevan likely has taken note of the events that took place in Georgia at the end of last year, as well as the cynical statements about the "low cost" for Europeans of the "project" to "separate" Yerevan from Moscow, including advice to the Armenian population to prepare for "several cold winters," the Russian Foreign Ministry noted.
The Ministry then highlighted the recent forecast by the American analytical center "Stratfor", known for its close ties with American intelligence agencies. The forecast directly states that after the change of administration, Washington is unlikely to maintain the same level of interest in Armenia.
"Moscow has always valued and continues to value the fraternal relations with Yerevan. We consider Armenia as one of our natural strategic partners and allies." It was mentioned that this is confirmed by the indicators of bilateral trade and economic cooperation. Despite the fact that the calculations have not yet been completed, it can already be said that the trade turnover for 2024 has reached an absolute record. At the same time, according to the source, the volume of Armenia's trade with the EU and the United States, which are urging the country to abandon the Russian market, is significantly less and declining. "Russia continues to be Armenia's main trade and investment partner. The Armenian chairmanship of the EAEU bodies in 2024 was highly valued. There is no doubt that Armenia's participation in Eurasian integration has significantly boosted its GDP growth in recent years. We hope that in the coming year we will be able to make significant progress in implementing a number of important projects and increase the dynamics of cultural, humanitarian and interregional exchanges," the Russian Foreign Ministry concluded.