The West Uses Armenia as a Geopolitical Tool Against Moscow: Galuzin

The Deputy Foreign Minister of Russia, Mikhail Galuzin, has stated that the West is using Armenia as a geopolitical tool in its confrontation with Moscow.

“Recently, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan mentioned in an interview that Armenia’s position does not imply harming Russia's interests. However, we see that Yerevan is accelerating its military-political and economic rapprochement with Western countries and organizations. We have repeatedly informed our Armenian partners that, for the West, and they no longer hide it, Armenia is a geopolitical tool against Moscow,” he said.

Galuzin noted that Yerevan is aware of Moscow's fundamental assessments regarding the incompatibility of EU membership and membership in the Eurasian Economic Union. He emphasized that if Yerevan joins another integration association, it will not be able to ensure compliance with the EEU norms and rules, which will have corresponding consequences.

“We expect the republic to be guided by pragmatism – with high growth rates of the Armenian economy, low inflation, a strong national currency, and a broad market for Armenian products – all of which is guaranteed through cooperation with Russia and within the framework of the Eurasian Economic Union,” the Deputy Minister stated.

Galuzin further pointed out that, as before, Russia recognizes Yerevan as Moscow's natural ally in the South Caucasus. He reminded that the strategic status of Russia-Armenia relations is enshrined within a solid legal framework.

“We have always advocated for a strong and truly sovereign Armenian state. We are convinced that there is no alternative to allied cooperation between Russia and Armenia. The strong ties between our countries and peoples greatly constitute the foundation for the stable development of the republic and the entire region. Bilateral cooperation and coordinated work within the frameworks of Eurasian common structures are a guarantee for Armenia's future prosperity,” Galuzin declared.