Russian 102nd Military Base Remains Invaluable Factor for Stability in Armenia: Russian Embassy

April 3 marks the anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Armenia and Russia. On this occasion, the Russian Embassy in Armenia has issued a message, stating: "32 years ago, on April 3, 1992, diplomatic relations were established between the Russian Federation and the Republic of Armenia—two new post-Soviet states. This agreement marked the beginning of a new phase in the relations between our countries, whose peoples have always regarded each other with the utmost friendly and warm feelings. Just a few years after this pivotal document, a treaty of friendship, cooperation, and mutual assistance was signed between the two countries, which is no coincidence. Russia has always placed special importance on strengthening friendly ties with Armenia as an ally and key partner. Our peoples, committed to common traditional values and national identity, have always been open and interested in mutual dialogue.

Over the years, we have traveled a long path. An invaluable experience of positive and constructive cooperation has been accumulated for the benefit of both parties involved. The security sector plays a very important role in our relations. The presence of the Russian 102nd military base and Russian border guards continues to be an invaluable factor for ensuring stability in Armenia and, in general, in the South Caucasus.

Russia and Armenia are part of common integration unions—EAEU, CSTO, and CIS. We collaborate within UN agencies and various international formats. There are around two hundred agreements in various fields of cooperation between our countries. Numerous mechanisms for bilateral cooperation operate in almost all areas, ranging from economic and military-technical to interregional connections and youth forums. Cooperation in the economic sphere is developing dynamically. Russia is Armenia's largest trading partner, accounting for 35.4% of total foreign trade, and a key investor with more than 40% of the share. The total volume of bilateral trade for the first eleven months of 2023 reached $6.3 billion, marking a 40.8% increase compared to the same period last year.

More than 40 large enterprises with 100% or partial participation of Russian capital operate in the leading sectors of the Republic's economy, many of which are among the largest taxpayers and employers in Armenia. Local entrepreneurs traditionally pay significant attention to business social responsibility, and the enterprises they establish form an integral part of Armenia's business landscape and contribute to the country's development.

It is noteworthy that, among Union countries, Yerevan is the leader in terms of economic growth rates in 2023. Last year, Armenia's exports to the countries of the Eurasian Economic Union increased by 41%, totaling $3.6 billion. As of January 1 of this year, the presidency of the Union has transferred from Moscow to Yerevan. We are pleased to note that the priority directions of the Armenian presidency presented to the leaders of the EAEU states by Prime Minister N. V. Pashinyan largely align with our perspectives on Eurasian economic integration. In turn, the Russian Federation supports the partner country's commitment to effective work and is ready to provide the necessary assistance.

A lot has changed over the past decades. Both the countries and the world we live in have transformed. Unfortunately, there are contradictions and mutual demands in our relations. However, the foundation of bilateral relations remains the same. The deep, allied ties between Russia and Armenia, cooperation in all areas correspond to the fundamental, genuine interests of both Russians and Armenians. We are confident that the rectification of accumulated imbalances as a result of direct dialogue between Moscow and Yerevan, and the return to normal allied relations, is not only possible but the only sensible solution," states the message.