Artur Atayev: Economy is the defining theme of politics now

Speaking with Alpha News, Russian political scientist Artur Atayev commented on the statement by Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Pankin that membership in the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) is beneficial for Yerevan and quitting would be contrary to the interests of the country.

According to the expert, the growth of the Armenian economy is attributable to economic relations between Russia and Armenia.

“Unfortunately or fortunately, the economy is the defining theme of politics now. The EAEU, CIS, and other integrating organizations of the post-Soviet countries are a positive phenomenon in terms of the economic development of Armenia’s potential. So, if the political authorities, in this case, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Pankin, focus on basic indicators of economic growth, then, of course, Armenian-Russian cooperation is at a fairly good, high level. The growth of the Armenian economy illustrates this perfectly. As for the political component of opting out of a number of meetings, this is already the policy of Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan,” the political scientist said.

“Previously, there was a policy that defined Armenia as a strategic and political ally, but now it has become an economic partner. The formula is changing,” Atayev concluded.