Attempts to Drive a Wedge Between Moscow and Yerevan Will Not Succeed - Zakharova

We cannot ignore the alarming trends gathering pace in the South Caucasus, where the West is clearly attempting to transfer confrontation schemes developed in Ukraine. This was noted by Maria Zakharova, the official representative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

“We see the unprecedented external pressure that brotherly Armenia is under. Steps are being taken to undermine the long-standing ties between our countries and peoples, aimed at discrediting Russia's policy in the region. Many foundations, NGOs, and media operating under the dictation of Washington and Brussels are trying to sow anti-Russian sentiments in society with renewed vigor. We are convinced that attempts by external forces to drive a wedge between Moscow and Yerevan will not succeed. We are determined to strengthen our strategic alliance and multifaceted cooperation with Armenia, which will allow us to overcome the current challenges together. We are developing dialogue in military-political and military-technical directions.

Trade is growing at a record pace. Serious projects are being implemented and developing in the fields of transport and logistics, infrastructure, mining, and high technology. Numerous large Russian companies are ready to invest further in the Armenian economy. We are successfully addressing issues related to strengthening the energy and food security of the republic. Diversified connections are maintained in the scientific, educational, and cultural sectors. Armenia is significantly benefiting from its participation in the EAEU,” Zakharova stated.

According to her, the West's improper and shameless approach can also be observed regarding the normalization of Armenian-Azerbaijani relations. The non-regional uniqueness of the problem and its special sensitivity are ignored. The real goal of Washington and Brussels is not to develop compromise and balanced solutions, but to promote themselves and push Russia out of the South Caucasus.

“Our trilateral efforts are being appropriated and distorted. The arrival of Western emissaries under the banners of the EU, OSCE, and France has become more frequent in Armenia. Hasty initiatives are being promoted that do not take into account the interests of the entire population of the region. This carries the risk of disrupting the balance achieved under difficult conditions based on the agreements of the leaders of Russia, Azerbaijan, and Armenia from November 9, 2020.

At the same time, unfounded accusations are being circulated, including claims that Moscow is not fulfilling its security obligations towards Armenia. In this regard, we would like to remind that it was our country that ended the war in November 2020, sent peacekeepers who brought peace and stability to the region, and has since played a decisive role in resolving armed incidents between Baku and Yerevan. Attempts by external forces aimed at withdrawing the Russian peacekeeping contingent are specifically directed towards destabilizing the South Caucasus.

At all levels, we continue to work with partners in the interests of a comprehensive resolution of relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia, including the unblocking of transport communications, delimitation of borders, coordination of a peace agreement, resolution of humanitarian issues, and the establishment of public and expert dialogue. At the same time, political will and consent from both sides are necessary to achieve peace.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has invited Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan to Russia for the next trilateral summit, where it is planned to discuss the full range of trilateral and bilateral issues,” she concluded.