The governmental delegation headed by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan arrived in the Russian Federation on a two-day official visit.

The Prime Minister was met at Moscow’s “Vnukovo 2” airport by Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko, after which an official welcoming ceremony was held with the participation of the guard of honor, and the national anthems of Armenia and Russia were performed.

The meeting of Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan and Russian President Vladimir Putin will take place in the second half of the day.

The leaders of the two countries will discuss issues related to the further development of the Armenian-Russian strategic and allied relations. Reference will be made to the implementation process of the trilateral statements of the leaders of Armenia, Russia and Azerbaijan of November 9, 2020, January 11 and November 26, 2021.

On April 20, Nikol Pashinyan will also meet with Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, Chairman of the Russian State Duma Vyacheslav Volodin, and Chairwoman of the Federation Council of the Russian Federation Valentina Matviyenko.

The Prime Minister is also scheduled to visit Nizhny Novgorod.

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Within the framework of the official visit to the Russian Federation, the meeting between the Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan and the President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin is taking place at the Novo-Ogaryovo residence near Moscow.

Welcoming Prime Minister Pashinyan, the Russian President said, “Dear Nikol Vladimirovich, I am very glad to see you.

Your visit is dedicated to the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between our countries. I know you have a very expanded schedule - meetings with the Prime Minister, the leadership of the Federal Assembly, and then a visit to Nizhny Novgorod. It is also planned to sign a number of documents.

We have a rich base of 200 documents in our legal relations signed in previous years. This gives a good opportunity to work in practically all directions, one of the priorities is the economy. In 2021, we had a 12.8 percent increase, according to our statistics, and a 50 percent increase in the first months of this year. This is a very good indicator, especially in today’s world.

Of course, we will focus on security issues, including those related to Karabakh. I agree with you, there are many issues, we are in constant contact, if not every week, then we talk on the phone every 10 days. Despite the pandemic, we have regular meetings. I'm glad to see you, welcome."

For his part, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said, “Thank you Vladimir Vladimirovich, first of all, let me thank you for inviting me to pay an official visit to the Russian Federation.

As you said, this visit has not only practical, but also symbolic significance, because it is dedicated to the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between our countries, it shows that the relations between our countries are at a very high level. I hope that as a result of this visit, this dynamic will not only continue, but will become more effective.

We are really in constant contact, we meet very often, we always speak on phone, because the agenda of our bilateral relations is very saturated, practically in all spheres, starting from the economy, ending with culture, education, military-technical cooperation. Russia is Armenia's strategic partner, we effectively cooperate in the Eurasian Economic Union, the CIS, the Collective Security Treaty Organization. It is no secret for anyone that Russia has a key role in ensuring security and stability in our region.

I want to once again emphasize your key role in establishing a ceasefire in Nagorno-Karabakh in 2020. Since then, the Russian peacekeepers have been operating in Nagorno-Karabakh and it should be noted that, in general, of course, security in Nagorno Karabakh is provided by the activities of the Russian peacekeepers and it seems that we need to look at what can be done to make the activities of the peacekeepers more effective.

Of course, the main political issue in our region is the settlement of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict, I hope we will talk about that today as well. Indeed, my visit has a very saturated agenda, much of which is related to these negotiations. I am confident we will be able to hold fruitful negotiations, thank you, I am very glad to see you."

Summing up, Vladimir Putin said. "You mentioned our cooperation in the field of culture. On the occasion of your visit and the 30th anniversary of the diplomatic relations, Days of Armenian Culture are held, and Days of Russian Spiritual Culture are held in Armenia. I think this will also be in our attention during this meeting."

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In the sidelines of the official visit of the Prime Minister of Armenia to the Russian Federation, the following documents were signed:

"Memorandum on Cooperation in the social-labor sphere between the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs of the Republic of Armenia and the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of the Russian Federation",

“Cooperation Programme for 2022-2023 between the Compulsory Enforcement Service of the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Armenia and the Federal Bailiff Service of the Russian Federation",

"Armenian-Russian comprehensive program of cooperation in the field of energy and non-energy projects",

“Protocol on integration of information systems in the field of plant quarantine between the Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Control of the Russian Federation and the Food Safety Inspectorate of the Republic of Armenia",

“Cultural cooperation program between the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture, Sports of the Republic of Armenia and the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation for 2022-2025”,

"Cooperation program between the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Armenia and the Ministry of Justice of the Russian Federation for 2022-2023”,

“Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Armenia and the Government of the Russian Federation on Cooperation in the Field of Information Security”.

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At the invitation of the President of the Russian Federation V.V. Putin, on April 19-20, 2022, the Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia N.V. Pashinyan paid an official visit to the Russian Federation.

1. The leaders held a detailed exchange of views in the constructive and trusting atmosphere typical of the allied relations between Armenia and Russia on the wide-ranging agenda in the political, military, military-technical, trade-economic, scientific-educational, cultural-humanitarian spheres, as well as in the spheres of justice, labor and social affairs, noted with satisfaction the positive dynamics of the development of a mutually beneficial multifaceted alliance between Armenia and Russia. Cooperation on regional and international issues of mutual interest were also discussed.

2. Attaching historical significance to the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, April 3, 1992, the parties confirmed the intention to expand and deepen the comprehensive interstate relations based on the principles enshrined in the Treaty on Friendship, Cooperation, Mutual Assistance between the Republic of Armenia and the Russian Federation signed on August 29, 1997 and the Declaration on the Allied Partnership between the Republic of Armenia and the Russian Federation oriented towards the 21st century signed on September 26, 2000. The parties expressed confidence that the further progressive development of the Armenian-Russian relations will contribute to the realization of the essential interests and aspirations of the peoples of Armenia and Russia, to the strengthening of regional security and stability, to the strengthening of the international reputation of the two countries.

3. The leaders agreed that the organization of joint events dedicated to the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations in 2022 will serve to the promotion of bilateral cooperation and strengthening of its strategic orientation and special nature. It was agreed to hold the Days of Armenian Culture in Russia and the Days of Russian Spiritual Culture in Armenia, to lay the foundation of the Armenian-Russian friendship monument in Yerevan on the occasion of the anniversary and a number of other events that will strengthen interpersonal contacts between our peoples.

It was decided to promote the establishment of a dialogue between the Armenian and Russian societies on a permanent basis, aiming to hold its first session in 2022, dedicated to the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations.

4. N.V. Pashinyan and V.V. Putin mentioned the priority importance of regular dialogue in the atmosphere of trust at the highest level. In this connection, the importance of the current official visit of the Prime Minister of Armenia to the Russian Federation was stressed in terms of further strengthening mutually beneficial political ties, expanding interdepartmental exchanges, deepening trade and economic cooperation and integration processes in the Eurasian region and normalization of the situation and raising stability in the South Caucasus.

The usefulness of the experience of conducting bilateral foreign policy consultations at different levels was confirmed. The need to continue the intensive Armenian-Russian inter-parliamentary dialogue was stressed. The high level of military and military-technical cooperation between the Republic of Armenia and the Russian Federation was mentioned.

5. The leaders expressed satisfaction with the results of the work aimed at bringing the trade turnover between Armenia and Russia to the path of sustainable growth. The need for further diversification of the categories of trade, further progressive growth of volumes, the development of cooperation in various spheres of production, the active implementation of the mechanisms of the Eurasian Economic Union were stressed.

An agreement was reached to encourage the establishment of close ties between the business circles of the two countries, including through interregional and local self-government platforms, through the application of business mission mechanisms. The work done to finalize the economic cooperation program between the Government of the Republic of Armenia and the Government of the Russian Federation for 2022-2025 was positively assessed.

6. The high demand and efficiency of the Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation between the Republic of Armenia and the Russian Federation, as well as the Working Group on Industry in terms of elaboration and implementation of bilateral practical arrangements were underlined. Mutual interest was expressed in holding permanent industrial exhibitions in the territory of Armenia, including, with the emphasis on cooperation in the field of high technologies.

The Parties welcomed the intention of the Russian economic operators to create a complete, modern production cycle in Armenia, expressed interest in the development of the field of energy, including the development of renewable energy programs based on the principles of energy security and independence, caring attitude for the nature and sustainable development.

It was decided to further facilitate the flow of Russian investments to Armenia. It was emphasized that the Russian economic operators are among the main taxpayers of the Republic of Armenia, ensure the creation of a significant number of jobs, expand the opportunities for professional training of the staff.

The Parties noted with satisfaction the work of the Parties on the establishment of the Armenian-Russian Business Council with the aim of expanding ties between the two countries' regions, strengthening business ties, establishing joint ventures and intensifying investment dialogue.

The Parties reaffirmed their readiness to expand cooperation in the field of use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes, welcomed the extension of the term of operation of the Armenian NPP, expressed their intention to work out the construction of new power units.

The effective joint work aimed at the consistent establishment of common market of
energy resources within the Eurasian Economic Union was emphasized.

7. The Parties expressed intention to promote the deepening of practical cooperation between the regions of Armenia and Russia, including through the implementation of the mechanism of annual interregional conferences, supported the comprehensive implementation of the Interregional Cooperation Program 2022-2027 between the Government of the Republic of Armenia and the Government of the Russian Federation, the establishment of cross-links between the regions and municipal units.

8. The leaders reaffirmed their intention to continue joint action to combat the spread of the COVID-19 disease, other dangerous infections, and animal infections. They considered the politicization of the epidemic issue inadmissible, and spoke in favor of a joint effort to overcome the aftermath of COVID-19, to prevent the spread of infectious diseases.

9. N.V. Pashinyan and V.V. Putin expressed concern over the use of unilateral restrictive measures by a number of countries, expressed intention to jointly overcome the challenges posed by these measures, including in the areas of food, energy security, logistics and other areas of the two countries.

10. The Parties expressed concern over the growing tendency to use modern information and communication technologies to carry out unlawful and harmful acts, to interfere in the internal affairs of States, and to undermine their sovereignty, emphasized the importance of strengthening bilateral cooperation in the field of international information security. The Parties reaffirmed the intention to engage constructively in ensuring international information security at the regional and global levels, first and foremost at the United Nations.

11. The leaders stressed the importance of further implementation of the agreements reached between Yerevan and Moscow in the field of biosafety, including the 2021 agreement, including based on the May 6, 2021 Memorandum of Understanding on Ensuring Biological Safety. It has been confirmed that the territories of the two countries will not be allocated for use by third countries for the purpose of carrying out activities against each other’s interests in the field of biosafety.

12. The Parties, maintaining a shared approach to the common past, expressed intention to continue the fight against the revising of the aftermath of World War II and the distortion of history, agreed to step up efforts to combat racism, xenophobia, neo-Nazism, as well as national, linguistic or religious discrimination, including any manifestations against the rights of citizens, compatriots living in Armenia, Russia, and their legitimate interests.

13. The leaders spoke in favor of further deepening of cooperation in the fields of culture, education, protection of employment and social affairs, information, tourism, sports and the environment. The important tools for this are the bilateral interagency working group on cooperation in the field of education, the cooperation plan for 2022-2025 between the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture, Sports of the Republic of Armenia and the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation, the 2022-2023 Action Plan for the Implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding in the Field of Sports between the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture, Sports of the Republic of Armenia and the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation, the 2022-2023 program of implementation of the memorandum of cooperation in the field of environment between the Ministry of Environment of the Republic of Armenia and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment of the Russian Federation.

The importance of providing favorable conditions for the study of the Russian language in the Republic of Armenia and for the study of the Armenian language in the Russian Federation was emphasized, including through increasing the efficiency of the joint educational organizations and the branches of Russian universities operating in the Republic of Armenia.

14. N.V. Pashinyan and V.V. Putin agreed to expand cooperation in the field of fundamental science on the basis of joint research and production complexes, with emphasis on the In a constructive and trusting atmosphere typical of the Armenian- Russian allied relations, the leaders held a detailed exchange of views on the extended agenda of bilateral cooperation in the political, military, military-technical, trade-economic, scientific-educational, cultural-humanitarian fields, as well as justice, labor and social issues, noted with satisfaction the positive dynamics of the development of the multifaceted mutually beneficial alliance between Armenia and Russia. development of the demanded high-tech products, expressed readiness to promote the links between the universities and research institutes of the two countries, new business projects (startups), as well as to promote the organization of congresses, conferences, seminars, exhibitions and other events aimed at the development of cooperation in the fields of science, education, youth policy.

15. The leaders spoke in favor of intensifying youth exchanges between the two countries, based on the Armenian-Russian youth forums and the admission mechanisms of Armenian citizens to Russian higher education institutions in specialties assessed as priority by Yerevan covered by the federal budget of the Russian Federation.

16. The useful work carried out by the "Moscow House" Moscow Cultural-Business Center, the Russian Book House in Yerevan, the Yerevan State Russian Drama Theater after K.S. Stanislavsky for closer contacts in the fields of culture and education was emphasized. The Parties spoke in favor of holding mass events aimed at strengthening cultural ties between the two peoples, in particular, organizing joint exhibitions, festivals, tours of leading artists of Armenia and Russia.

17. N.V. Pashinyan and V.V. Putin agreed to promote the unveiling of the potential of the Russian Diaspora in Armenia and the Armenian Diaspora in Russia for strengthening bilateral cultural and humanitarian ties, and to implement initiatives of social significance for the two countries. The importance of the activities of Diaspora associations was emphasized in promoting interethnic unity, maintaining and strengthening inter-ethnic consensus and trust.

18. Recognizing the key role of the Collective Security Treaty Organization in ensuring regional security, considering Armenia’s ongoing presidency over the Organization, the Parties reaffirmed their readiness to intensify efforts to increase the capacity of the Collective Security Treaty Organization, including the CSTO Peacekeeping Forces and the Organization's crisis response mechanisms, to strengthen coordination and to support the expansion of CSTO partnering relations.

19. N.V. Pashinyan and V.V. Putin spoke in favor of the progressive advancement of integration processes within the Eurasian Economic Union, the implementation of strategic directions of integration development, including the creation of an internal market without restrictions, obstacles, exceptions, increasing the share of settlements in national currencies.

20. The Parties spoke in favor of further deepening of cooperation in the format of the Commonwealth of Independent States in all directions, including for the coordination of positions on current international issues, raising the level of socio-economic development of the Commonwealth member states, and expanding cultural and humanitarian ties.

21. The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to the development of an inclusive, equitable, representative international system for the promotion of peace, democracy, and the prosperity of all peoples in line with the principles and goals of the UN Charter. The Parties shall make the necessary efforts to coordinate the positions of Armenia and Russia, in order to deepen cooperation in the UN and on other platforms.

22. N.V. Pashinyan and V.V. Putin expressed deep concern over the aggravating situation in the field of international security. In this regard, the Parties intend to further strengthen cooperation to counter negative trends in this area. The leaders hold the position that no state, union or coalition cannot and should not ensure their security at the expense of the security of other states. They note the inadmissibility of actions aimed at the destruction of the arms control architecture and gaining unilateral military benefits to the detriment of others, which violates the basic principle of equal and indivisible security, and leads to contradictions and confrontation.

23. The Parties stressed the high demand for strengthening the joint efforts to counter international terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, the extremism, trafficking in drugs, weapons, arms, explosives related with the latter, transnational organized crime, as well as other security challenges and threats to the two countries, as well as to block the sources and channels for funding terrorism.

24. The leaders exchanged views on the situation in the South Caucasus, spoke in favor of the continuation of the constructive work in the sidelines of the regular meetings between the leaders of Azerbaijan, Armenia and Russia and the consistent implementation of the November 9, 2020, January 11 and November 26, 2021 agreements reached between the three leaders for the benefit of regional stability, security and economic development, stressed the decisive contribution of the Russian peacekeeping contingent to the provision of security of Nagorno Karabakh and creation of favorable and safe living conditions for the population, emphasized the need for an urgent solution to pressing humanitarian issues and the settlement of all issues through political and diplomatic means. In this context, the Parties underlined the importance of using the potential and experience of the institute of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-chairs, in accordance with its international mandate.

25. N.V. Pashinyan and V.V. Putin stressed the importance of intensifying the activity of the trilateral working group on the unblocking of all economic ties and transport routes in the South Caucasus, jointly chaired by the Deputy Prime Ministers of Azerbaijan, Armenia and Russia.

The Russian side is ready to participate in the restoration projects of the railway infrastructure of Armenia, including railway restoration in Syunik and other provinces of the Republic of Armenia.

26. The Parties agreed to speed up the establishment of a bilateral commission on demarcation and security in the Armenian-Azerbaijani border area in accordance with the trilateral agreement of November 26, 2021 with the consultative assistance of the Russian Federation at the request of the Parties.

27. The leaders were united in their assessment of the high usefulness of contacts between Azerbaijani and Armenian religious figures and representatives of the societies with the support of Russia, which contributes to the "construction of bridges" between the peoples of the two countries. This practice will continue.

28. The Parties agreed to intensify the trilateral cooperation between Armenia, Russia and Azerbaijan aimed at supporting the normalization of relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia and in the region in general.

The leaders noted the importance of the access and involvement of all stakeholders, as well as the International Committee of the Red Cross and the specialized agencies of the UN, including the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, UNESCO, in addressing humanitarian issues in the region, and in providing comprehensive assistance to all those in need.

29. N.V. Pashinyan and V.V. Putin welcomed the normalization process of the Armenian-Turkish relations launched with the Russian support.

30. The Parties noted the successful launch of the "3 + 3" regional consultative format, which aims to provide additional opportunities for dialogue and multifaceted cooperation between all countries in the region.

The Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia and the President of the Russian Federation expressed confidence that the effective negotiations held in Moscow will contribute to the further strengthening of the Armenian-Russian multilateral special allied relations.

N.V. Pashinyan thanked for the warm reception given by V.V. Putin, confirmed his invitation to the Russian leader to visit Yerevan in the second half of 2022 in connection with the session of the CSTO Collective Security Council. The invitation was accepted with gratitude.

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The official visit of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan to the Russian Federation continues.

On the morning of April 20, Prime Minister Pashinyan visited Alexander Garden in Moscow, where he laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and paid tribute.

The Prime Minister was accompanied by members of the Armenian governmental delegation.

The state anthem of Armenia was performed at the official ceremony, after which the guard of honor marched.

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Within the framework of his official visit to Russia, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan visited the State Duma and met with the Chairman of the State Duma Vyacheslav Volodin.

The latter welcomed the Prime Minister's official visit to Russia, underlined the fact of the continuous development of the Armenian-Russian allied relations. "I know that you had fruitful talks with the Russian President, based on the results of which an important joint statement was adopted," Volodin said, emphasizing that the visit of the Prime Minister of Armenia is a special event in the further expansion of bilateral relations. The Chairman of the State Duma also attached importance to the strengthening of inter-parliamentary ties, adding that there is a close dialogue in this direction. According to Mr. Volodin, the existing mutual trust between the two countries gives a good opportunity to further develop ties.

Prime Minister Pashinyan thanked for the warm reception, noting that such contacts give a new impetus to interstate relations and cooperation. The Prime Minister of Armenia also attached importance to the strengthening of inter-parliamentary cooperation and active dialogue. "We had a fruitful discussion with President Putin, we adopted a joint statement," Nikol Pashinyan said, adding that they reached an agreement on a number of important issues, including the security of Nagorno Karabakh, the unblocking of regional infrastructure, and delimitation and demarcation processes of the Armenian-Azerbaijan border. re, and delimitation and demarcation processes of the Armenian-Azerbaijan border.

During the meeting the interlocutors exchanged views on the activities of the Armenian-Russian interparliamentary commission, the holding of the sitting of the CSTO Interparliamentary Assembly in Yerevan, the activities of Russian peacekeepers in Nagorno Karabakh and other issues.

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Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan met with Valentina Matviyenko, Chairperson of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of Russia.

Valentina Matviyenko welcomed the Prime Minister at the Federation Council, noting that the cooperation between Armenia and Russia at the inter-parliamentary level develops quite successfully. Mrs. Matviyenko thanked Nikol Pashinyan for supporting the development of inter-parliamentary cooperation. "The inter-parliamentary commission is successfully doing its job. From the Russian side, the commission is co-chaired by Yury Vorobyov, Deputy Chairman of the Federation Council, who performs his job in a very responsible manner. The members of the Russian side of the commission are leaving for Yerevan tomorrow to hold the 34th session," Matviyenko said. In addition to bilateral cooperation, Valentina Matviyenko also stressed the effective work at the CIS Interparliamentary Assembly.

In turn, Prime Minister Pashinyan reminded that this year marks the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Armenia and Russia, the 25th anniversary of the Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation and Mutual Assistance, and the 30th anniversary of the CSTO. "Dramatic events took place during this period, we have to analyze everything, see where we have achieved the results we had outlined, and in that context, plan our future activities, joint programs. I think that inter-parliamentary ties also play a key role in those processes," Pashinyan said.

The Head of the Armenian Government added that effective cooperation has been established with Russian partners within the framework of the EEU, CIS and CSTO. According to the Prime Minister, even in successful formats, it is necessary to think about how to organize the work more effectively, especially when new challenges emerge.

During the meeting the interlocutors exchanged views on the further development of cooperation between Armenia and Russia, the agreements reached at the meeting of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia and the Russian President, as well as education, culture and other humanitarian issues.

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In the sidelines of the official visit to Russia, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan met with Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin.

Greeting the Armenian PM, Mikhail Mishustin said, "Dear Nikol Vladimirovich, we welcome you to the Government House. Your official visit is very important for the further development of our friendly and allied relations, which link together Armenia and Russia. This year we mark the 30th anniversary of the diplomatic relations between the two countries, the 25th anniversary of the Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation and Mutual Assistance. As a result of yesterday's talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, you have reached large-scale agreements on strengthening bilateral cooperation in almost all areas on the agendas of our two countries. The Russian Federation will take all necessary measures to implement the decisions reached at the highest level”.

According to the Russian Prime Minister, Russia ranks first among Armenia's foreign partners and investors. "It is gratifying that last year the trade turnover between the two countries increased by almost 13%, reaching 2 billion 600 million USD, while in January-February 2022, the trade turnover increased by 42% compared to the same period last year, amounting to 430 million USD. The volume of Russian investments in the Armenian economy exceeds 2 billion USD. We are interested in developing bilateral cooperation, implementing new projects in areas such as energy, mining, transport infrastructure, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, digital technologies, high technologies”, Mishustin said, adding that the intergovernmental commission of the two countries is engaged in similar initiatives.

The Russian Prime Minister proposed to speed up the process of signing a new program of economic cooperation of the intergovernmental commission of Armenia and Russia. In the context of sanctions against Russia, Mishustin attached importance to the more active use of national currencies in bilateral trade, the use of industrial cooperatives, and the creation of new trade opportunities.

"We also pay special attention to the implementation of the agreements between the leaders of Armenia, Russia and Azerbaijan to unblock the regional infrastructure. I am confident that the creation of new infrastructure routes will contribute to the further development, stability and peace of the region for the benefit of the countries of the South Caucasus. Russia continues to provide humanitarian assistance to Armenia, and now conditions are being created through the International Center for Humanitarian Response for the return of refugees to their places of permanent residence and the restoration of facilities and infrastructure," Mikhail Mishustin said.

In his speech, the Russian Prime Minister also attached importance to the continuation of close cooperation in the field of education and science.

For his part, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan thanked for the warm reception and said, “This is my first official visit to the Russian Federation and I must say that you have rightly noticed that it is very successful. Yesterday we discussed with Vladimir Vladimirovich the entire scope of our interstate relations, held very effective negotiations, reached important agreements. Russia is considered to be Armenia's main trade and economic partner; our trade turnover and trade ties are constantly growing. We are also cooperating effectively within the framework of the Eurasian Economic Union.

We have a rich experience of cooperation in the field of energy and strategic plans to develop that field. Of course, we have concrete plans in the sphere of transport and other spheres, and yesterday we agreed with Vladimir Vladimirovich that the intergovernmental commission should become the main platform for the implementation of the agreements reached in economy, energy and other spheres. I consider it necessary to emphasize that our ministries cooperate quite well, the intergovernmental commission is also actively operating, the sitting of which was recently held in Yerevan. I think that in the current situation common challenges emerge, also opportunities that should be recorded and tried to make use of. I am glad that today we have the opportunity to discuss some specific topics, and it is possible to reach concrete solutions."

Prime Minister Pashinyan reminded that this year marks the 30th anniversary of Armenia-Russia diplomatic relations, the 30th anniversary of the CSTO, the 25th anniversary of the Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation and Mutual Assistance between Armenia and Russia. "We have a rich program of events for this jubilee year, which is first of all a good opportunity to celebrate the anniversaries, as well as to analyze the path we passed, to understand whether we managed to achieve the goals we had set, as well as to see where we did not manage and make our cooperation more effective”, the Prime Minister said.

The interlocutors discussed a number of programs and initiatives to develop cooperation in the fields of economy, infrastructure, energy, trade, high technologies and other spheres. An agreement was reached to work closely through state agencies in the near future in order to bring them to life and raise the Armenian-Russian economic ties to a new level.

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan headed to Nizhny Novgorod from Moscow.

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Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan arrived in Nizhny Novgorod within the framework of his official visit to Russia. At the airport, the Prime Minister was met by the Governor of Nizhny Novgorod Oblast Gleb Nikitin, the Chairman of the Legislative Council of Nizhny Novgorod Region Yevgeniy Lyulin, the Mayor of Nizhny Novgorod Yuri Shalabayev.

The Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia first visited the factory of GAZ Automobile Plant, where, accompanied by the chairman of the company Vadim Sorokin, toured the plant, got acquainted with the products.

Afterwards, the Prime Minister visited the Nizhny Novgorod Kremlin, laid a wreath at the eternal flame, paying tribute to the memory of the victims of the Great Patriotic War. Nikol Pashinyan toured the Kremlin State Art Museum, the Bell Tower, the Alley of Military Glory, and the Cathedral of Archangel Michael.

The Prime Minister had a private conversation with the Governor of Nizhny Novgorod Oblast Gleb Nikitin, discussed the possibilities of developing cooperation in various fields.

The Prime Minister also visited the Armenian Holy Savior Church, lit candles.

Nikol Pashinyan concluded his visit to Nizhny Novgorod with a meeting with representatives of the Armenian community, during which the Prime Minister referred to the results of his official visit to Russia and answered various questions, which referred to the situation around Nagorno Karabakh, economic cooperation between Armenia and Russia, implementation of investment programs in the Motherland and other topics.

The two-day official visit of Prime Minister Pashinyan to the Russian Federation has ended.