Armenia’s membership in EAEU is foundation of its economic prosperity, and participation in CSTO is guarantee of security – Russian Foreign Ministry

Russia continues to demonstrate in practice its role as Armenia’s key trade and investment partner, Mikhail Kalugin, Director of the Fourth CIS Department of the Russian Foreign Ministry, told RIA Novosti.

“Our country accounts for about 37% of Armenia’s exports and 32% of its imports. More than 40 major Russian business projects have been launched in Armenia—in the automotive industry, transport, oil and gas, energy, digital technologies, and tourism—with total accumulated investments of four billion US dollars. Numerous joint educational and cultural initiatives are also being implemented. The Russian military base and our border guards remain key elements of Armenia’s security and of the entire South Caucasus—a region that is only beginning to outline the contours of peaceful development,” he said.

Kalugin noted that Moscow sees the Armenian leadership’s desire to “diversify” its foreign policy ties.

“The EU is trying to take advantage of this. Our response is to strengthen cooperation within the CIS and the EAEU. The advantages of Eurasian integration are clear: a vast seamless market, no customs barriers, and the resolution of issues based on the principle of mutual respect for the interests of member states, supported by the well-established mechanism of the Eurasian Economic Commission. Armenia’s membership in the union is the foundation of its economic prosperity, while its participation in the CSTO is the guarantee of its security. Unlike Western actors, we know how to cooperate on a truly equal and mutually beneficial basis. We actively work with states and integration associations destined to shape the future of global relations. We are supporters of a strong Armenia,” he added.