Why Russia Does Not Open Air Borders Only with Armenia Among EAEU Countries: Clarifications from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Auroranews asked Anna Naghdalyan, the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, about the steps being taken regarding the opening of borders with Russia, and what the reasoning is behind the decision not to open air borders only with Armenia among EAEU countries, considering that the pandemic situation is not particularly better in other countries as well.

"Decisions regarding the restriction of entry for foreigners are entirely within the jurisdiction of the respective country and, as we have already noted, are not driven by bilateral relations or the principle of reciprocity. These measures are based solely on domestic anti-epidemic programs and comprehensive actions, the effectiveness of the fight against the pandemic, and the capabilities of the healthcare system. It must be noted that the spread of the new type of coronavirus has created an unprecedented emergency situation worldwide, which is subject to periodic changes, and mechanisms have been developed and implemented to address it in a new manner. The resolution of the issue largely depends on the dynamics of stabilizing the current epidemiological situation.

As for the work with the Russian side, we emphasize that the Armenian government continues to collaborate with Russia on both the restoration of regular air transportation between Armenia and Russia and the lifting or cancellation of the entry ban for Armenian citizens into Russia. In this regard, the work is proceeding in its normal course. The issue is also discussed within the EAEU framework among relevant agencies.

In this context, I want to emphasize that Armenian Deputy Prime Minister Mher Grigoryan and the Ministry of Health are in constant contact with their counterparts, and there is a daily exchange of operational statistics regarding the epidemiological situation in both countries.

It should be noted that Moscow is opening air borders for EAEU member countries, with the exception of Armenia.