Video: Meeting was productive, we didn't sign any documents, but we discussed several agreements, says Pashinyan

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan met with several dozen members of the "Armenian Lawyers' Association" in Moscow. The government leader welcomed the meeting and stated, "You know that we are in a very complex period, where understandably there are great concerns and questions, and the most important message of my meeting today is that I consider it very important for both you, referring to Moscow, and the Armenian community in Russia and around the world, to have the opportunity to raise questions directly looking into the eyes, and for me to answer those questions," said the Prime Minister.

Pashinyan first referred to the results of his negotiations with Russian President Vladimir Putin earlier in the day, noting that they discussed all agenda issues and nuances in practically three and a half hours. "I can say that, overall, I am very satisfied with the outcomes of the meeting. Of course, a very open relationship has been established with the President of the Russian Federation, especially in recent months the relations have become direct in nature. Today we discussed all our bilateral agenda issues and addressed regional, even international relations. The meeting was productive; we did not sign any documents, but we talked about several documents, including those in the security sector, regarding the further implementation of previously signed documents. Despite this, those documents or agreements are being implemented even today. You know that we have an agreement on the Armenian-Russian joint military group and an agreement on a common regional air defense system, which are in effect," emphasized the Prime Minister, adding that they also discussed the implementation of these agreements' provisions in the new context with the President of the Russian Federation.

"You are aware that one of the most crucial issues on our agenda after the war is the reform of the army and armed forces, which we are implementing with the support of our partners from the Russian Federation. This was one of the critical topics of our discussion. Of course, we also discussed the situation regarding the return of prisoners of war, the agenda surrounding regional communications, the current results we have, the direction we need to move towards, where our views fully coincide, and where we need to work towards aligning our perspectives. Therefore, I consider today’s discussions to be very productive. The agenda of our discussions is so broad that I might overlook something, but I will definitely address them later. One thing is clear: the nature of Armenian-Russian relations is strategic, and this strategic cooperation needs to be given even greater depth, considering the current challenges and the situations we face," highlighted Nikol Pashinyan.

In response to a question about the return of prisoners of war, the Prime Minister emphasized the need for the full implementation of the 8th point of the trilateral statement of November 9 of last year, which states, "The exchange of captured military personnel, hostages and other detained persons and the bodies of the deceased will take place." The government leader stressed that they have a complete understanding with Russian President Vladimir Putin regarding the issue of ensuring the return of prisoners of war and that their opinions coincide on the unconditional implementation of this direction. According to Nikol Pashinyan, they agreed with the President of the Russian Federation to implement even more intensive work regarding the prisoners.

During the meeting, the Prime Minister responded to several questions raised by the participants, related to the war unleashed against Artsakh, the situation that ensued, the assistance provided to the war-affected Armenian population of Artsakh by the Armenian government, the resolution process of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, the regional situation, the internal political situation in Armenia, the upcoming parliamentary elections, and the potential for fully realizing the potential of the Diaspora, in the context of establishing those institutional foundations, among other topics.