We are closely monitoring Armenia's policy of aligning its legal framework with EU norms: Galuzin

Armenia is our ally and strategic partner, and the fundamental parameters of our relationship remain unchanged, said Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin in an interview with Izvestia.

“As for the right of any country or union, including the European Union, to maintain relations, we believe this is the right of any sovereign nation. However, cooperation is one thing, and integration is quite another. What we are seeing in the new agenda of strategic partnership between Armenia and the European Union is precisely that integration, which includes the harmonization of Armenia’s legal framework with EU standards in key areas such as politics, security, economy, energy, environment, and others,” he noted.

Galuzin emphasized that they openly and honestly inform their Armenian partners that such harmonization of the legal framework with the EU will inevitably contradict the relevant norms of the Eurasian Economic Union, of which Armenia is also a member.

“We are closely monitoring the potential conflicts between Armenia's policy of aligning its legal framework with EU norms and the relevant regulations of the EAEU,” the Russian official stated.

Speaking about the CSTO, Galuzin mentioned that Armenia remains a member of the CSTO with all rights and obligations. “Armenia is aware of all the decisions made within the organization. And of course, we actively support Armenia's full participation in the CSTO activities, as it is absolutely clear that Armenia’s, as well as the other members of this organization, reliable security truly depends on this,” he stressed.