Pashinyan Meets with Lavrov and His Delegation

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has received the Foreign Minister of the Russian Federation, Sergey Lavrov, and the delegation he leads.

In his opening remarks, Prime Minister Pashinyan stated, “Dear Sergey Viktorovich, I welcome you to the Republic of Armenia. I am very pleased to see you. Russia and Armenia are strategic partners and allies, which naturally implies that the intensity of bilateral visits and communications should be quite high, and we see this. Our agenda for relations is very broad and multifaceted, encompassing both issues related to bilateral relations and regional and international matters. I am glad that today we will have the opportunity to discuss a wide range of issues related to our relations.”

“At the moment, the main issue on our agenda is related to the regional situation and security, as well as the resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh problem. We are certainly discussing this matter quite intensively with Russia, along with other issues. For example, the opening of regional communications. Recently, a meeting was held in Moscow under the auspices of the deputy prime ministers of the Russian Federation, the Republic of Armenia, and the Republic of Azerbaijan, as part of a trilateral working group. I hope that in the near future we will be able to reach specific agreements and resolve that strategically important issue in favor of the entire region, for the sake of stability and peace,” he continued.

“The agenda for improving relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan is also very important. You know that recently the first meeting of the bilateral working commission on the demarcation and delimitation of borders between the Republic of Armenia and the Republic of Azerbaijan was held. It is already planned that the second meeting will take place in Moscow, and the third meeting will be held in Brussels. In this context, we expect the support of the Russian Federation so that this process occurs naturally and effectively,” he added.

“I also want to mention the issue of the return of prisoners of war, hostages, and other individuals being held, who remain in Azerbaijan to this day, against the backdrop of the trilateral statement of November 9, 2020. In this matter, we also expect the support of the Russian Federation so that this humanitarian issue finally receives a comprehensive solution. Once again, I welcome you and I am confident that we will have fruitful negotiations today.”

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov expressed gratitude for the opportunity to meet during their busy visit to Armenia. He conveyed warm regards and best wishes from Vladimir Putin, reaffirming Russia's commitment to all agreements reached during their interactions, particularly during Pashinyan's official visit to Russia in April of this year. He noted the significance of the issues on a high level that Pashinyan had brought to attention and acknowledged the priority of regional matters.

Lavrov stated, “We are focused on the implementation of the trilateral statements of November 2020, January 2021, and November. We are committed to ensuring that all directions and actions aimed at fully normalizing the situation in the region, including the resolution of humanitarian issues, are executed in the shortest possible time.”

He added that discussions had taken place regarding the steps necessary for the work of the trilateral working group on the unblocking of transport and economic ties. Meanwhile, they are preparing for the meeting in Moscow with the participation of Russian representatives to provide advisory services, including mapping materials.

Pashinyan and Lavrov discussed issues related to Armenian-Russian strategic partnership, the agenda of regional stability and peace, the resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh problem, and the normalization process of Armenian-Azerbaijani relations. In the context of the comprehensive resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh problem, Prime Minister Pashinyan emphasized the important role of the Co-Chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group. The two sides also exchanged thoughts on the development of scientific, educational, and cultural ties. Sergey Lavrov praised the Armenian side’s attitude and hospitality toward Russian citizens who have recently relocated to Armenia.