Russia interested in developing relations with Armenia – Lavrov to Speaker of Armenia’s National Assembly

Russia is interested in developing relations with Armenia, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said during a meeting with Alen Simonyan, the Speaker of Armenia’s National Assembly.

According to Lavrov, Moscow is aware of Yerevan’s readiness to maintain ties with Russia, though this is not welcomed by everyone in the European Union, which is actively pursuing opposing policies.

“We hear statements by the Armenian leadership expressing interest in preserving the current level of relations and cooperation with Russia. At the same time, we see that not all extra-regional countries are pleased with this. Our colleagues in the European Union are very actively pursuing opposing policies,” Lavrov said.

He noted that membership in the European Union is incompatible with that of the EAEU, but Russia will respect Armenia’s choice.

“Membership in the Eurasian Economic Union is incompatible with the principles underlying participation in cooperation, and even more so with accession to the European Union. This is your choice, and we will fully respect it,” the Russian FM said.