Positive and Constructive Developments Are Creating New Opportunities, Says Nikol Pashinyan at EAEU Meeting

SAINT PETERSBURG — “These developments represent one of the first major achievements in establishing peace and stability in the region,” said Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan at a meeting of the Eurasian Economic Union Supreme Council, referring to the transit of Armenian cargo through Azerbaijan.

The session of the EAEU Supreme Council opened on December 21 in Saint Petersburg, with the participation of Armenia’s prime minister. Heads of state of the EAEU member countries were welcomed by Russian President Vladimir Putin. The meeting was held first in a restricted format, followed by an expanded session.

Speaking about prospects for developing trade and logistics cooperation, Pashinyan said that the ongoing positive and constructive changes are creating new opportunities for all countries in the region, contributing to stronger economic stability and the expansion of regional connectivity.

On December 19, the first shipment of Azerbaijani petroleum products arrived in Armenia. Earlier, on November 6 and 8, Russian and Kazakh wheat was also delivered to Armenia via Azerbaijani territory.

In this context, Pashinyan expressed gratitude to the President of Azerbaijan for the decision to lift restrictions on the transit of goods to Armenia through Azerbaijani territory, as well as for creating conditions that marked the beginning of bilateral trade.

Pashinyan also noted that the current year was significant for the EAEU in terms of international cooperation.

“Cooperation with key partners—Iran, the United Arab Emirates, Mongolia, China, and India—is expanding. New markets are opening up, which promotes diversification of exports and imports and strengthens the economy,” Pashinyan said, welcoming the signing of a trade agreement with the Indonesia.

Addressing economic issues, Pashinyan stated that the functioning of a unified services market improves the quality and competitiveness of providers, simplifies procedures, and creates a more favorable environment for trade.

According to him, development in this area should proceed at a faster pace, as it directly affects the economic growth of EAEU member states.

In conclusion, Pashinyan reaffirmed Armenia’s commitment to mutually beneficial cooperation within the EAEU, aimed at ensuring economic stability and sustainable development in the region.

During his visit to Saint Petersburg, Prime Minister Pashinyan also took part in the informal summit of the heads of state of the Commonwealth of Independent States. The event was held at the Hermitage Museum complex. Russian President Vladimir Putin delivered welcoming remarks, emphasizing the importance of developing and expanding cooperation within the CIS. He expressed hope that collaboration across all sectors would continue to grow in the coming year and congratulated participants on the New Year and Christmas holidays, wishing them success.