What Did Pashinyan and Putin Discuss

A meeting took place at the Kremlin between Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

In his speech, Vladimir Putin stated, “Dear friends, dear Nikol Vova, once again I sincerely welcome you all to Moscow, Russia. Thank you for your active participation in today’s session of the Eurasian Economic Supreme Council. We have already discussed this; the entire event, in my opinion, went at the level we hoped for, and we spoke very candidly about many points.

We are also grateful that you agreed to the presence of the President of Azerbaijan at this event. I believe that, in any case, from the perspective of developing regional economic ties, it is useful, as it creates an additional platform and opportunity for dialogue in areas that leave no doubt.

Bilaterally, cooperation continues to actively develop in various sectors. I would like to note that our trade turnover shows a confidently positive trend. Last year it grew by more than 83 percent and reached 5 billion dollars. In the first quarter of this year, it increased by another 1.5 billion. If this process continues at this pace, then we will certainly surpass last year's record.

Regarding the sensitive issues related to the conflict around Nagorno-Karabakh, we once again discussed all of this face to face with Prime Minister Nikol Vova Pashinyan. We will still have the opportunity to speak in a trilateral format regarding the unblocking of transport connections. These questions are very important and sensitive. I am convinced that if we ultimately, despite all difficulties, reach solutions to these questions, it will undoubtedly benefit both Armenia and Azerbaijan, and not just the two countries but the entire region, as many states are interested in this, and it will contribute to the resolution of relationships in all directions, including politically, in terms of ensuring the safety of the people living in that area.

We are very pleased that we have the opportunity today to meet not only face to face but also in a broader format. I am convinced that this will be beneficial,” he added.

In turn, Prime Minister Pashinyan remarked, “Thank you very much, Vladimir Vladimirovich. Once again, thank you for the warm welcome. Indeed, the session of the Eurasian Economic Supreme Council was held at a high level. We discussed a wide range of issues. In terms of economic dynamics, you are right, in the Eurasian Economic Union, at least, things are not bad.

Regionally, of course, we have quite a tense situation in Nagorno-Karabakh, specifically in the Lachin corridor, which we have discussed many times today. Unfortunately, despite the trilateral statement of November 9, 2020, Azerbaijan has illegally blocked the Lachin corridor, as a result of which Nagorno-Karabakh is facing a humanitarian crisis. You know that the supply of natural gas and electricity to Nagorno-Karabakh has also been interrupted, blocked by Azerbaijan, which exacerbates the humanitarian situation in Nagorno-Karabakh. Supplies of food and other goods to Nagorno-Karabakh have become complicated. Of course, Russian peacekeepers are assisting in this matter, but unfortunately, as I said, the blocking of the Lachin corridor happened with the presence of Russian peacekeepers.

Today we discussed in a working mode issues related to the unblocking of regional communications. I want to once again reaffirm that Armenia is genuinely interested in this; we are ready to start unblocking all transport and economic links and communications based on the sovereignty and legal authority of our country. I want to reaffirm this position once more. I want to confirm that we are ready, and both border and customs services are prepared to ensure the smooth passage of all transport vehicles and railways, specifically through the territory of Armenia.

We expect that the Azerbaijani railway will also be open for the transportation of goods and railway trains from the Republic of Armenia through Nakhchivan to the Republic of Azerbaijan, for example, to the Russian Federation and the Islamic Republic of Iran. We expect that this issue will be resolved on a parity basis, as I said, based on the sovereignty and legal authority of the countries involved.”

In conclusion, Vladimir Putin added, “Dear Nikol Vova, you know our position regarding our trilateral statement, regarding the Lachin corridor. We have never changed our position on this issue. And you know that in discussions with both our Armenian friends and Azerbaijan, we have always remained loyal and are still loyal to this position. Everything must be in accordance with the spirit and letter of our trilateral statement. Our position has not changed here. Regarding the potential construction of transport routes, communications, both railways and roads, our position on unblocking remains unchanged. And during bilateral contacts with the new Azerbaijani delegation, we have stated this. However, it should be noted that the Azerbaijani side also confirms that they recognize Armenia's complete sovereignty over this area without any exceptions, and all of these double or triple interpretations regarding the possible unblocking of transport communications have no basis. Nevertheless, there are questions, and you just mentioned them; I think they are related to terminology. I believe we can talk about this in more detail.”