It is not accepted to impose absurd decisions and 'twist arms': Russian Ambassador in Armenia

BRICS is a club of sovereign states where it is not accepted to impose absurd decisions and 'twist arms'. This was stated by the Russian Ambassador to Armenia, Sergey Kopirkin, in an interview with RIA Novosti.

"I will begin my answer by listing the main principles of cooperation within BRICS: equality, mutual respect, openness, pragmatism, and solidarity. This is a club of sovereign states where it is not accepted to impose absurd or unrealistic decisions. There is no practice of 'twisting arms' to serve the interests of a few leaders, as all matters concerning the association are resolved through respectful, constructive dialogue that takes into account the interests and concerns of all involved players," the ambassador said in response to a question about what benefits cooperation within the association could bring to Armenia.

As advantages for Armenia, the ambassador noted the presence of Russia, India, Iran, China, and the UAE in BRICS, considering these countries as key partners for Armenia. "No less important is the fact that Azerbaijan and Turkey have submitted applications for membership in the organization. If we complete the picture, it is obvious that Armenia will feel significant attraction from this rapidly growing platform for dialogue and cooperation," Kopirkin pointed out.

According to Sergey Kopirkin, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan will have the opportunity to communicate within the framework of the BRICS summit. He noted that Pashinyan's acceptance of Putin's personal invitation to participate in the 'BRICS+' format events at the summit in Kazan reflects the high level of close contacts between Russia and Armenia.

"I think our leaders will have the opportunity to communicate, but in what format and on what agenda will depend on the program of the given international conference, which will be quite busy," Kopirkin said in response to the question of whether Russian-Armenian contacts are planned during the BRICS summit in Kazan.