Lavrov: Trilateral Agreements Remain Relevant for South Caucasus

At a press conference with his Armenian counterpart, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov reaffirmed Russia's commitment to regional partnerships, Orda reports, citing News Armenia. 

Ararat Mirzoyan, Armenia's Minister of Foreign Affairs, is currently on a working visit in Moscow.

We have always appreciated and continue to appreciate fraternal ties with the Armenian People's Republic, with Armenia, our natural strategic partner and ally, and we are interested in strengthening and developing the centuries-old traditions of friendship and good neighborliness.

Highlighting economic growth, Lavrov noted record bilateral trade approaching $12 billion last year:

Trade turnover reaches record levels: almost $12 billion. it will be for last year, according to statistics. Our cooperation both bilaterally and within the framework of the EAEU provides such truly impressive indicators.

Regarding regional security, Lavrov emphasized Russia's readiness to assist in Armenia-Azerbaijan normalization based on the 2020 and 2022 trilateral agreements, which he maintains are still relevant to current regional circumstances.

Meanwhile, Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan signaled his country's concerns:

Armenia has always adhered to the principle of an open and constructive dialogue, and we hope that in the future the Russian side will take into account all aspects of what is happening, avoiding one-sided interpretations, which, unfortunately, we have seen in recenty.

While acknowledging Armenia's efforts to understand Russia's international positions, Mirzoyan emphasized the need for reciprocity.

There is a desire and understanding that the Russian side will take into account Armenia's interests to some extent on international platforms. Cooperation on international platforms is in our traditions, and we hope to continue the tradition.

Mirzoyan stressed the importance of sovereignty in bilateral relations and highlighted Armenia's commitment to regional economic development.

In the context of Armenia's determination to increase the economic attractiveness of the South Caucasus region, I am pleased to confirm our vision for unblocking all economic and transport infrastructures, which is planned to be implemented within the framework of the Crossroads of the World project.