On May 28, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan arrived on a working visit in Nur-Sultan, the capital of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The Prime Minister is to take part in the regular session of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council on May 29.

At Nur-Sultan’s international airport, the Prime Minister of Armenia was welcomed by Minister of Information and Communications of Kazakhstan Dauren Abayev, Deputy Foreign Minister Ermek Kosherbayev, Chief of State Protocol Service Iskar Aysarin and Deputy Mayor of Nur-Sultan Nurlan Norkenov.

Armenian Prime Minister, Kazakhstan’s First President Nursultan Nazarbayev to meet at the Presidency of the Republic of Kazakhstan

On May 29, Nikol Pashinyan will meet with Kasim-Zhomart Tokayev, the incumbent President of Kazakhstan. The Premier will next call at Armenia’s embassy in Kazakhstan. Nikol Pashinyan is expected to meet with the local Armenian business community.

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On May 29, the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council will hold a regular session in capital of Kazakhstan Nur-Sultan. It is a jubilee event that comes on the 5th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty on the Eurasian Economic Union and the founding of the organization.

The meeting agenda features discussion of EAEU international activities in 2018, development of cooperation with third countries, the macroeconomic policy to be pursued by EAEU-member States in 2019-2020, the implementation of the digital agenda, the steps aimed at ensuring free movement of goods and services, and a number of other issues.

First President of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev is expected to get the title of Honorary President of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council. He will be awarded the Medal of Merit for valuable contribution to the development of the Eurasian Economic Union.

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Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan who is in Kazakhstan on a working visit today met with First President of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev in Nour-Sultan.

Greeting the Armenian Prime Minister, Nursultan Nazarbayev stated, in part:

“Dear Nikol Vovayevich, thank you for participating in the jubilee summit of the Eurasian Economic Union. There have never been any problems between Kazakhstan and Armenia, we have had good relations.

The Armenian Diaspora is a bridge between our two countries: the Armenians living here are Kazakhstan’s citizens. The bilateral trade turnover has grown recently, but it somewhat suffers due to bad logistics. We have a lot to exchange: we lack what you have, and vice versa. Therefore, efforts need to be made in that direction.

You may know that I took my decision following deep reflection. You will understand me better when you reach my age. On June 20, I would have been Kazakhstan’s leader for thirty years. In 1989, I was elected First Secretary of the Communist Party of Kazakhstan, and before that I was a government representative. That is why I used to work hard. I have seen a lot, and everyone knows me in Kazakhstan. We have done a lot to actually raise Kazakhstan’s credit and image during the years of independence. Before taking my decision, I just realized that it was time to seamlessly hand over the country’s leadership.

At the same time, I continue to work. Kasym-Zhomart Tokayev works has worked with me for 30 years. I know him very well; he is an educated person and boasts long experience in public affairs. I am confident that our relations with Armenia will be as good as they used to be before.”

Thankful for the warm welcome, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said: “Thank you, Noursultan Abishevich. Of course, I am glad to see you and visit your country and the capital city you have built.

You are a political leader who symbolizes an entire era. You mentioned that you were the leader of Kazakhstan in Soviet times. You were one of the first leaders who signed the Belovezh Accords, after which you took part in the CIS formation. Then you actively participated in the establishment of the CSTO.

Armenia is a member of the CIS and CSTO. Everyone knows that you were the first to set forth the idea of Eurasian integration. This year marks the 25th anniversary of that landmark event and the 5th anniversary of the EAEU Treaty. We are excited about the developments taking place in Kazakhstan and closely follow the political changes you have initiated.

We are convinced that what you initiated is in the best interest of Kazakhstan and its people. Indeed, you continue to be the leader of the nation and the President of the Security Council. You will continue to play an active role in the EAEU, and tomorrow we will make a relevant decision. From the very outset, I defended this idea and I am confident that with the new President of Kazakhstan we will have the same warm and constructive relations.

Yes, our countries boast very good political relations. Unfortunately, our trade turnover still falls short of the ongoing political dialogue. I feel that now we have a chance to work in that direction as ever new opportunities are emerging in the 21st century.

It is important for our States, our peoples and governments to show the necessary political to build on the bilateral relations because we used to be in close touch in Soviet times and have actually participated in all joint projects in the post-Soviet area following the collapse of the USSR.

Great is your personal contribution to the warm relationship we entertain today. I do hope and I am confident that things will continue in this very spirit.”

Nikol Pashinyan and Nursultan Nazarbayev exchanged thoughts over the Armenian-Kazakh relations, touched upon the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement process, stressing the importance of regional peace and stability.

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Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan continues his working visit to Nur-Sultan, the capital of the Republic of Kazakhstan,.

On May 29, RA Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of the Republic of Kazakhstan held a meeting at the Presidential Palace

Welcoming Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, the President of Kazakhstan noted: “Dear Mr. Prime Minister, Nikol Vovayevich, I once again welcome you to capital of Kazakhstan Nur-Sultan.

Yesterday we had an opportunity to meet in an informal format and discuss cooperation issues, exchange views on the summit of the Eurasian Economic Council, which, of course, is a significant event. Armenia plays a very important role in our Union.

We are grateful to you for supporting the initiative of the President of the Russian Federation on awarding First President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev the title of Honorary President of the Eurasian Economic Council.

As regards our bilateral relations, we are eager to expand the friendly relations with your state. We have great respect for your country and your people, we are well aware of the history of your people, which is closely intertwined with the history of our people. That is why we have much in common.

As for specific issues, the Armenian market is of great interest to our industry. We can closely cooperate in the context of the application of Kazakhstan’s logistical capabilities. The Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Industry and Infrastructure are in attendance of this meeting, and I would urge them to work out a bilateral trade roster in a bid to reinvigorate trade, economic and industrial cooperation between our two countries.”

Thankful for the warm welcome, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said: “Thank you, Mr. President, dear Mr. Kassym-Jomart Kemelovch. I am glad to get acquainted with you. You are right, the relations between our countries have traditionally been friendly and warm, and the Eurasian Economic Union creates new opportunities to further strengthen the economic component of relations.

Of course, economic exchanges are on the rise, but we should admit that the potential that exists in this sphere is not fully realized. We must continue to work in that direction so that the potential of EAEU-member countries is tapped in full.

I would like to note that we are closely following the political developments in Kazakhstan. I wish you every success in the upcoming presidential elections.

I am convinced that Nursultan Nazarbayev’s initiatives are aimed at ensuring prosperity for Kazakhstan and its people. I wish all the best to the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Kazakh people.

Indeed, we have to do a great deal of work, and I concur with your proposal to task our ministers with the strengthening of economic ties. Currently there are several Kazakh companies interested in entering the Armenian market and we are working together in that direction.”

The Prime Minister of Armenia and the President of Kazakhstan exchanged views on the prospects of bilateral cooperation in both bilateral and multilateral formats.
Both sides highlighted the cooperation within integration associations, including the Collective Security Treaty Organization, the Eurasian Economic Union and the Commonwealth of Independent States.

Nikol Pashinyan and Kassym-Jomart Tokayev reaffirmed their readiness to develop close partnership for the furtherance and deepening of Armenian-Kazakh relations.

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As part of his working visit to Kazakhstan, today Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan attended the jubilee meeting of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council in the Palace of Independence, in Nur-Sultan,. The meeting was devoted to the 5th Anniversary of the Eurasian Economic Union Treaty.

President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of Kazakhstan met the Prime Minister of Armenia and the leaders of other EAEU-member States in the Palace of Independence. A ceremony of handshaking and a protocol photo session was held, followed by the meeting of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council, which was held first in narrow and then in expanded formats.

During the meeting in a narrow format, Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev announced that First President of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev was awarded the title of Honorary President of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council. Nursultan Nazarbayev was awarded the Medal of Merit for valuable contribution to the development of the Eurasian Economic Union.

RA Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan delivered a speech, in which he stated, in part:

“Dear Supreme Eurasian Economic Council Members,
Dear Nursultan Abishevich,
Dear Guests,

First of all, I would like to thank the Kazakh side for excellent reception and traditional hospitality, as well as for the brilliant organization of our jubilee summit.

I also want to congratulate First President of Kazakhstan Nursultan Abishevich Nazarbayev on being awarded the title of Honorary President of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council. Your role in forming the Union is truly invaluable.

As I have repeatedly noted, we are committed to the most productive participation of Armenia in the EAEU, and we will make every effort to improve cooperation mechanisms and achieve the four freedoms in practice.

Dear colleagues,

I would like to note the following concerning the meeting agenda:
As the presiding country, Armenia prioritizes the expansion of Union’s foreign economic relations. We aim to effectively conclude negotiations with Singapore, Serbia, Egypt, Israel and India. The agreements with Iran and China have already been ratified by the National Assembly of Armenia.

I would like to inform you that during the meetings held with the PRC President and Prime Minister on the margins of my recent visit to Beijing, the cooperation agreement with the Eurasian Economic Union was mentioned as one of the key factors contributing to the growth of economic cooperation between our two countries.

I would like to note with satisfaction the progress achieved in the negotiations with Singapore, despite the fact that they go in three directions: goods, services and investments.

Given the fact that the free trade agreement-targeted negotiations are nearly complete, and the negotiations on the agreement on trade, services and investments are in a pre-final stage, I consider it important to make every effort to sign a package of agreements with Singapore this year.
I wish to inform you that I am set to pay a visit to Singapore this July, during which I will do everything possible to ensure progress in this direction.

The Republic of Armenia, as I have repeatedly noted, is actively involved in and supports the process of creating and implementing the digital agenda of the EAEU. We attach particular importance to the activities of the working groups tasked with the forming of special legal regimes, the launch of online document processing platforms, digital transport corridors and digital development centers.

We are confident that the dynamic development of the work carried out within the framework of the EAEU digital agenda that seeks to enhance the capabilities of member States will help us improve cooperation and create a comfortable environment for businesses. This will allow the member States to increase their competitiveness, boost trade exchanges and services both between member States and with third countries.

The formation of a common energy and electricity market will allow the member States to establish cooperation based on the principles of equality, mutual benefit, ensuring fair competition, based on the economic interests of producers and consumers of electrical energy.

In this regard, the Republic of Armenia welcomes the signing of the Protocols on Amendments to the Treaty on the Eurasian Economic Union, prepared to supplement the Methodology for the implementation of interstate transmission of electric energy between member States, taking into account the specifics of joining the EAEU of the Republic of Armenia and the Kyrgyz Republic.

As amended, the methodology will help formulate the power supply planning and coordinating principles between the member States. They will also allow us to formulate the principles of cooperation between system operators in member States and third countries.

In conclusion, I would like to note that we will be happy to welcome you to Yerevan at the next meeting of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council to be held on October 1, this year. Thank you.”

The meeting discussed the main directions of the Union’s international activities in 2018, and the main guidelines for EAEU-member States’ macroeconomic policy in 2019–2020.

The meeting next reviewed issues related to the implementation of EAEU’s digital agenda, the results of monitoring the implementation of the regulations stipulated by the Rules for regulating trade in services, institutions and activities, as well as the implementation of liberalization plans for individual service sectors within the EAEU in 2017–2018.

The following documents were signed during the meeting: the “Protocol on Amendments to the Treaty on the Eurasian Economic Union of May 29, 2014 (regarding the formation of a common electricity market of the Eurasian Economic Union),” “The Protocol on Amendments to the Treaty on the Customs Code of the Eurasian Economic Union of April 11, 2017” and “Agreement on the mechanism of traceability of goods imported into the customs territory of the Eurasian Economic Union,” the Protocol on Amendments to the Protocol on Conditions and Transitional Provisions on the Application of the Treaty on the Eurasian Economic Union by the Kyrgyz Republic of May 29, 2014, certain international treaties included in the law of the Eurasian Economic Union, and acts of the Eurasian Economic Union in connection with the accession of the Kyrgyz Republic.

The results of the signing of trade agreements between the EAEU and third countries and further steps in this direction were discussed.

The meeting took note of the annual report of the Eurasian Economic Commission on the state of competition in cross-border markets and the measures taken to prevent violations of the general rules of competition.

It was decided to hold the next meeting of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council on October 1, 2019 in Yerevan.

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Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan today attended the meeting of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council in Nur-Sultan, the capital of Kazakhstan. After the meeting, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Eurasian Economic Commission Chairman Tigran Sargsyan made statements for the press.

An official dinner was held in honor of EAEU-member States’ delegations. Then Prime Minister Pashinyan visited the Armenian Embassy in Kazakhstan, where he met with a group of Armenian entrepreneurs. Issues related to the implementation of investment programs in Armenia were discussed during the meeting.

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Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan is in the Republic of Kazakhstan on a working visit. On May 29, the Prime Minister attended the meeting of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council in Nur-Sultan.

After the meeting, Prime Minister Pashinyan made a statement for the media.

“Dear media representatives,
Dear Tigran Surenovich,

We have completed the proceedings of the summit of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council. Today we discussed a wide range of issues; we practically made decisions and reached agreements on all agenda items.

This is a jubilee summit. Twenty five years have passed since the idea of Eurasian integration was proposed, and five years after the signing of the agreement on Eurasian Economic Union’s establishment.

This is a symbolic date, and the Nur-Sultana summit was just held on this symbolic occasion. Of course, there are some issues on the agenda that still need to be agreed and clarified, but we stated that we will continue to work together on these issues.

As I noted in my speech, it is crucial now, and especially it is important for Armenia to broaden the scope of EAEU’s foreign economic relations. Negotiations are underway with Singapore, Egypt, Serbia, Israel and India.

I find it an important direction, because it will actually expand the opportunities for businesses operating in the EAEU-member countries. It is crucial for us to show political will to work in all these areas. Today we instructed the Eurasian Economic Commission to step up work in the aforementioned areas.

We hope that this year we will be able to sign at least two agreements between the EAEU and partner countries. Efforts will be continued in this direction.

I think that the Summit can be assessed as quite successful, and we can continue to work in the same spirit.”

Another statement was issued by Eurasian Economic Commission Chairman Tigran Sargsyan.