Lachin Corridor and Economic Issues: What Pashinyan and Khachatryan Discussed

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan met with the President of the Republic Vahagn Khachatryan. This was reported by the Prime Minister's Office.

In his speech, Vahagn Khachatryan mentioned: “First of all, thank you for your visit. I am touched. We have the opportunity to communicate very often. It is rare to have such official communication, but I consider it important for both myself and for society, for the people. One aspect I want to draw attention to is what we should discuss during our meeting, what we can talk about. I want to record an important point: the achievements of the government in terms of the economy are very evident. Your and the government's contribution here is substantial. I have constantly followed events, and although I have not been a member of the government for some time, I can say, as a professional, that there are very few countries that have recorded such successes, very few countries that have been able to maximize their potential during the difficult conditions of the global economy. I can tell you that this is not due to one year of work, but to the reforms carried out in the last four years. I want you to accept this as an assessment from a specialist, because I was interested in how we have achieved such successes. This is mainly due to the fact that businesses here have mostly shed all chains, they operate freely, wherever they want, however they want. The government is very successfully able to utilize its levers, especially regarding economic laws, including tax issues, while keeping administrative levers as far away as possible, thereby weakening them.

There is also an important aspect I dreamt of seeing one day, which is for us to have a country where businesses are interested in working with the government more honestly, more transparently, paying their taxes. Now, as we move to electronic tax reporting next year, I think this is an opportunity, and experience will probably show that we should not start from the premise that businesspeople and taxpayers operate with criminal mindsets. This has always been the case, reflecting a Soviet mentality. Now, I believe you have been able to change this mindset, and next year business will respond positively, and we can record successes. In this regard, I want to take this opportunity to congratulate you on your achievements. I understand that the times are very difficult for the government. The recent events have made this even more challenging, but I am confident that we should not stray from our path because of this, and that these artificial difficulties are meant to distract us and get us busy with more important matters. Nevertheless, I believe you have always noted that all matters are important, and we should successfully conclude all these important issues.

In turn, Prime Minister Pashinyan stated: “Thank you, esteemed Mr. President. Thank you for your hospitality. Yes, you are right to point out that we actually communicate very often, we talk frequently and have discussions during both Security Council meetings and working consultations. However, I believe that discussions in this format are also very important from time to time to summarize results and discuss the future. I would like to thank you for your assessment of the economic indicators. Of course, that is important, and I fully agree that the author of economic growth is actually not the government but the people who create that growth – it is the government's role not to hinder them in developing their economy. The second point is that where it is possible to help and where we can assist, we should do so. We are guided by that logic. Of course, in this regard, ensuring a level playing field is very important, as well as reducing bureaucratic red tape and improving the investment environment. There is much to be done here, and we have discussed these topics repeatedly. We are undoubtedly committed to this reform agenda.

Of course, security-related issues take much more time, understandably. The situation created in the Lachin Corridor is concerning and condemnable, and despite the November 9 trilateral statement, we have what we have. According to the November 9 trilateral statement, such a situation should not have occurred at all, and I hope that with the help of our international partners, through direct communications, as well as certain discussions, we will succeed in resolving this situation and achieving long-term stability and peace in the region. I am confident that we will discuss all these agenda items in detail today. Although, I repeat, we meet regularly, and I am very happy and grateful for the full communication that exists between us personally, as well as between the office of the president and the office of the government. This is crucial for ensuring an appropriate working atmosphere.”