Armenia's foreign policy logic does not imply avoiding deepening ties with Russia, says Pashinyan

Armenia pursues a balanced foreign policy and does not build relations in one direction at the expense of others, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said, addressing opinions that his visit to Moscow on May 9 could allegedly undermine relations with the West.

“We have adopted a balanced and balancing foreign policy. This policy does not involve building relations in one direction at the expense of others. Moreover, the logic of our policy does not imply that we will avoid visits to the Russian Federation or refrain from developing and deepening relations with it. I do not fully understand those comments,” Pashinyan stated.

The Prime Minister emphasized the importance of the event to be held in the context of the victory in World War II, but also noted that bilateral issues are discussed during such meetings.

When asked whether any bilateral or other meetings are planned as part of the visit, Pashinyan responded that it is not a formal summit, but there will be contacts.

“However, I am not sure to what extent these contacts will be formalized, as the schedule is very packed. We will work within a packed agenda. But I think it’s clear that there will be contacts,” the Prime Minister added.

Armenian PM Nikol Pashinyan said on May 7 that he will visit Russia on May 9 to attend the WWII Victory Day parade in Moscow.