Russia and Armenia have huge tradition of cooperation in security sphere – Alexey Maslov

Speaking with Alpha News, Director of the Institute of Asian and African Studies at Moscow State University, Alexey Maslov, commented on the security ties between Armenia and Russia.

According to the expert, it is impossible to build a comprehensive security system in the South Caucasus without Armenia.

“First of all, Russia and Armenia have a huge tradition of interaction in the security sphere. Most importantly, despite the difference in scale between the two countries, it is impossible to build a comprehensive security system in the region without Armenia. And it should be, of course, not only about so-called conventional security but also cyber security, transportation security, food security, and human security,” Maslov said.

According to him, traditions of friendship and mutual understanding in relations between Armenia and Russia should eventually take over.

“Indeed, even though we are experiencing not the easiest times of interaction, the traditions of friendship and mutual understanding should eventually take over. The approach should also become quite rational. It is also very important that Russia does not choose between Armenia and some other states. Russia always considers Armenia as a state that is able to independently and very competently determine its policy,” Maslov concluded.