Observers Will Be Deployed to Armenia If Invited: Valentina Matviyenko

The trade and economic cooperation between Armenia and Russia has reached a high level. Approximately 33% of Armenia's external trade turnover is conducted with Russia, and in recent years, Russian businesses have invested over four billion dollars in projects implemented in Armenia. This was announced by Valentina Matviyenko, the speaker of the Federation Council, during a meeting with Armenian Parliament speaker Alen Simonyan on February 5, while responding to questions from "Parlamentskaya Gazeta."

She reminded that parliamentary elections in Armenia are scheduled for June 2026. When asked whether this political process could influence the cooperation between the legislative bodies of the two countries, the chairwoman of the Federation Council noted that electoral campaigns in any country are always "heated and contentious."

"We want Armenia to be a prosperous and thriving country and for it to have a stable political situation. Because we greatly value, have valued, and continue to value our ties with the Armenian people," stated the speaker.

Matviyenko reported that during the meeting, the possible participation of observers in the elections from both Russia and the Inter-Parliamentary Assembly of the CIS was discussed. “If the Armenian side invites us, we are ready to participate,” she noted, adding that the previous work of Russian observers demonstrated the objectivity and impartiality of their conclusions.

In the speaker's view, parliamentary dialogue between Russia and Armenia will continue, as it stems from the interests of both states and peoples. According to her, approximately 33% of Armenia's external trade turnover is attributed to Russia.

“In recent years, Russian businesses have invested more than four billion dollars in about forty projects in Armenia. This shows that we have ambitious plans for further development, and this will not happen without parliamentary dialogue. Parliamentary dialogue is essential,” concluded the speaker of the Federation Council.