Nikol Pashinyan and Vladimir Putin Discuss Problems in Armenia–Russia Economic Relations

YEREVAN — Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan held a telephone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The two leaders exchanged views on the Armenia–Russia bilateral agenda, particularly the problems that have emerged in economic relations between the two countries.

Prime Minister Pashinyan emphasized that restrictions on the export of Armenian-origin goods to the Russian market contradict the Armenia–Russia legal framework and the regulations of the Eurasian Economic Union. He asked that measures be taken to resolve these issues.

Regarding the possibility of holding a referendum in Armenia on the country’s accession to the European Union, which was referenced in a joint statement adopted on May 29 by the leaders of four Eurasian Economic Union member states, Pashinyan noted that such a referendum would only become practically possible after Armenia formally applies for EU membership and the matter becomes a concrete issue.

At the same time, Prime Minister Pashinyan reaffirmed the Armenian government’s readiness to address the issues through open, constructive and friendly dialogue.