Zakharova: Russia`s relationship with Armenia is based on sovereign  equality

ArmInfo.Russia's relationship with Armenia is based on sovereign equality, as stated by Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova during a  briefing on September 18, in response to  a question about the themes  circulating in the Armenian media about "Moscow's seniority" and the  claim that Russia is unwilling to take Yerevan's independent  decisions into account.

"We continue to believe in strong ties that unite us with Armenia,  even in the midst of modern challenges, which are based on shared  values and interests," the Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson  noted.  According to her, this allows  to characterize the  relationship not as a partnership, but as an alliance, and to  approach the relationship responsibly in all cases and at all times.  "We view relations between Yerevan and Moscow, and between Moscow and  Yerevan, from a position of sovereign equality. This principle, along  with others such as mutual respect for state sovereignty and  independence, non-interference in internal affairs, territorial  integrity, and the inviolability of borders, are outlined in the  foundational documents of our relations," she noted.

As the official representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry  emphasized, she "has never heard of anyone appointing leaders or  followers." "We provide assistance when asked, and also offer  proactive help when possible, that's true. Roles have never been  assigned in this way here: Moscow has always respected the country's  choice, listened attentively to the arguments and reasons of its  Armenian friends, considered their independent decisions, maintained  its own point of view on events, and always respected the sovereignty  of this country. We hope that our partners will treat the Russian  side's concerns in a similar manner and take them into account,"  Maria Zakharova concluded.