Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has arrived in the Russian Federation on a working visit, where the narrow-format session of the Eurasian Intergovernmental Council is taking place today.

Prior to that, Prime Minister Pashinyan had a meeting with the Prime Minister of the Russian Federation, Mikhail Mishustin.

In his speech, the Russian Prime Minister noted,

"Dear Nikol Vovaevich, dear partners, I am glad to welcome you in Sochi, Russian Federation. First of all, I want to convey to you the best wishes and greetings of Russian President Vladimir Putin, I also want to convey my warmest wishes to Armenian President Vahagn Garnikovich Khachaturyan.

We sincerely value our brotherly relations, they are allied and strategic in nature. Today, the trade-economic and investment cooperation between Russia and Armenia is developing actively and dynamically, despite the illegal economic sanctions adopted by a number of unfriendly countries. In January-April, mutual trade turnover increased by 96 percent and amounted to almost 140 billion rubles, or more than 660 billion Armenian drams. Of course, it is important to maintain this positive dynamic and reach new record indicators in mutual trade.

More than 4,500 companies with Russian capital are successfully operating in Armenia, the investments made exceed the total volume of foreign investments in the Armenian economy by 46 percent. It is necessary to use the available opportunities to increase trade, investments, and of course our joint intergovernmental commission is dealing with this issue, it is headed by Alexey Overchuk from the Russian side. The work is organized on the basis of the intergovernmental program of economic cooperation for the period until 2025. I would like to thank you, dear Mr. Grigoryan, and all colleagues for your active work in the commission. We are in constant contact, we meet, and the increase in trade turnover is also the result of the efficient work of the commission.

We are interested in the implementation of new joint projects in the fields of energy, industry, agriculture. Russian companies are ready to offer modern solutions, including in the field of e-government, construction of a safe and smart city, transport infrastructure and a number of other projects.

We pay great attention to the interregional cooperation with Armenia, more than seven dozen subjects of the Russian Federation are working now, they are in direct contact with the regions and subjects of Armenia. Last year, 24 business missions were organized in Armenia with the participation of representatives of Russian regions. It is important to expand and create new cooperation ties.

Russia and Armenia work effectively in the Eurasian Economic Union and the Organization of Commonwealth of Independent States. I am confident that the decisions we will take here in Sochi will give new impetus to economic integration.

According to the agreement of the leaders of Russia, Armenia and Azerbaijan, we are conducting systematic work in the direction of unblocking the economic and transport infrastructures in the South Caucasus, the creation of new infrastructure directions is in the interests of all the countries of the region.

Dear Nikol Vovaevich, we have a full agenda and I want to give the floor to you. Thank you."

In turn, Prime Minister Pashinyan noted: "Thank you Mikhail Vladimirovich, dear colleagues, I welcome you, I am very glad to see you.

You already said a lot about our economic ties, we really have very good dynamics and I am glad that Russian business is doing well in the Republic of Armenia. I remember last year we discussed how to activate economic ties and when I look at the results, I find that many things we talked about and agreed upon have already been implemented, for which I am very happy.

There is quite considerable investment activity, mutual trade is growing, it is growing very well, and this, by the way, helps the economy of Armenia because we have quite good economic activity. Now it is already summer period and we are a little worried about the capacity of the customs office of Upper Lars. I know that the Russian side is carrying out major restoring works there. I hope in the near future, this month, or could you specify when these works are planned to be completed? This is very important information not only for Armenia, but also for Russia. And this is also an important nuance that will greatly encourage the further development of our economic relations.

You already mentioned the tripartite working group on unblocking economic and transport communication in the region. It can be said that during the last meeting, quite tangible progress was noticed. And I am very happy about that, and I want to express once again the readiness of the Republic of Armenia to open regional and economic transport communications within the framework of the principle of sovereignty and jurisdiction of the parties through which these communications pass. This refers to the communications mentioned in point 9 of the trilateral declaration of the Presidents of the Russian Federation, Azerbaijan and the Prime Minister of Armenia. And I hope that we will be able to reach concrete solutions.

We have put forward our specific proposals, and I hope that these proposals will be accepted. In principle, it is not the case that these are our proposals, this is a compromise solution that we have worked out over the last two years.

I welcome you once again and I am sure that today we will be able to discuss all issues very effectively”.

Responding, Mikhail Mishustin noted: "Dear Nikol Vovaevich, yesterday, before the meeting with you, I met with the Minister of Transport Vitaly Gennadyevich Savelyev. We discussed in detail, including the issues of the Upper Lars checkpoint. He promised to complete all the works by June 15. As I understand, we are talking about four more roads and, accordingly, yesterday he presented the progress of the works. If Ruslan Davydov has something to add, please, you are welcome. He is the acting head of the Federal Customs Service of the Russian Federation."

Ruslan Davydov - "Thank you, dear Mikhail Vladimirovich, Nikol Vovaevich. Indeed, both Customs and Border Services are doing their best to maintain capacity during the reconstruction. The daily figure is about 1000 vehicles in both directions. It is clear that we need to reach at least one and a half thousand so that there are no queues at all. We expect from the Ministry of Transport, they really promise us that these roads will be ready by June 15. If these lanes are in place, I think within a week we will eliminate traffic jams to zero."

Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin - "Look, they should do it by June 15, and by June 22, Davydov should make sure that there are no traffic jams. Agreed".

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan - "This is very good news, because, to tell the truth, it is hard to believe that such a thing is possible, that there will be no jams at all in the Upper Lars.”

Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin - "Now we discussed everything in public."

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan - "Not only did we discuss, but you already promised. This means that it must be done. Thank you very much".

Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin - "No doubt. We took a look yesterday, including photos from the facilities, of what's going on there. Our colleagues there work very hard. I hope that everything will be done as we agreed."

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan - "Excuse me, how much will the capacity increase after the reconstruction?"

Ruslan Davydov - "There will be 39 traffic lanes, 15 of which are for cargo transportation. As I already said, before the reconstruction we reached a record of 1,200 trucks and 3,500 passenger cars per day in both directions. Now we expect that if it was 1200, then the cargo transportation index should reach 1500 per day. In fact, the Upper Lars, even in the conditions of renovation and reconstruction, is the most active checkpoint in general.

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan - "I am very grateful to Mikhail Vladimirovich. I know that if you promise something, it happens, and I am very happy about it. Thank you very much".

* * *

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan took part in the narrow-format session of the Eurasian Intergovernmental Council in Sochi.

The Prime Ministers of the Eurasian Economic Union member states discussed a number of topical issues related to Eurasian integration. In particular, issues related to the operation of the EAEU internal market, cooperation in various fields were addressed.

The expanded-format session of the Intergovernmental Council will take place on June 8.

* * *

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan participated in the regular session of the Council of Heads of Government of the CIS in Sochi. First, the Heads of Government posed for a family photo, then the narrow and expanded format sessions took place.

Prime Minister Pashinyan made a speech in the narrow-format session, in which he specifically stated:

"Dear heads of delegations,

Dear Sergey Nikolayevich,

I am glad to welcome my colleagues at the session of the Council of Heads of Government of the CIS. First of all, I would like to thank our Russian friends and Mikhail Vladimirovich personally for the traditionally warm welcome and for organizing today's meeting at a high level.

Our meeting today is taking place in the year of the 30th anniversary of the adoption of the Charter of the Commonwealth of Independent States and in this context, I want to emphasize that the Republic of Armenia, since the establishment of the CIS, has consistently advocated the systematic development of mutually beneficial and equal cooperation within our organization in accordance with the goals and principles laid down in the Charter of the CIS, as well as for increasing the efficiency and practical impact of its functioning.

In general, I positively assess the work done within the framework of the Commonwealth this year from the point of view of consolidating efforts aimed at strengthening cooperation. I am also pleased to note that the list of documents included in the agenda of today's meeting covers a wide range of areas of life of our countries, the effective implementation of which is ultimately aimed at the further development of mutually beneficial cooperation for the benefit of the welfare and improvement of the quality of life of the citizens of the CIS member states.

The Republic of Armenia considers the Agreement "On Free Trade in Services, Establishment, Operation and Implementation of Investments" a great opportunity to give new momentum to the development of investment activities in the CIS member states and expresses its readiness for the practical application of the provisions of this Agreement.

One of the important issues facing us is the creation of favorable conditions for the activation of industrial cooperative ties and interaction between the economic entities of our countries, with the aim of forming innovative industrial clusters and scientific production zones.

The creation of new knowledge-intensive branches and the modernization of high-tech industrial potential is the main factor for achieving sustainable and innovative economic development, as well as a necessary condition for increasing the competitiveness of our economies. In this context, I would like to mention the importance of adopting the concept of development of industrial cooperation and the complex of measures.

The creation of new knowledge-intensive industries and the modernization of high-tech industrial potential is a key factor in achieving sustainable and innovative economic development, as well as a necessary condition for increasing the competitiveness of our economies. In this context, I would like to note the importance of adopting the Concept and the Set of Measures for the Development of Industrial Cooperation.

Against the background of rapid scientific and technological progress, environmental problems are gradually becoming more acute, and the demand for creating effective mechanisms to reduce risks to the environment is increasing. Therefore, the development of environmentally friendly nuclear energy for peaceful purposes is essential to ensure sustainable development and reduce the negative impact on the environment.

In this context, the Armenian side supports the signing of an agreement on cooperation in the field of data exchange for monitoring the radiation situation, aimed at developing optimal approaches to the mechanisms for using nuclear technologies for non-energy purposes, in particular in the fields of science, medicine and agriculture.

Dear colleagues,

In today's reality, the fight against fraud in telecommunications networks is also relevant, and we must take joint measures to protect the privacy and security of data, including the use of modern encryption methods, multi-factor authentication and monitoring systems to detect suspicious activity.

Countering fraud on telecommunication networks requires an integrated approach that brings together telecom operators, law enforcement agencies, the state and users. And the signing of the relevant memorandum will create conditions for the effective functioning and development of the market for international telecommunications services and the prevention of the spread of fraud on telecommunication networks.

Attaching importance to the humanitarian component of cooperation within the CIS, I would like to note that the Government of Armenia always supports projects integrating people with disabilities into various areas of social life, as well as promoting a healthy lifestyle among the younger generation and young people.

The Armenian side welcomes the implementation of the program of CIS Spartakiad among children with disabilities, the purpose of which is to involve them in an active lifestyle.

I will particularly mention the implementation of the interstate program "CIS Youth Capital" as an effective tool for the development of young people, supporting their creative potential and providing conditions for active participation in public life. Such initiatives contribute to the formation of a new generation of leaders who are able to face the challenges of our time and contribute to the development of our countries. From this point of view, I would like to confirm the readiness for the city of Kapan to receive this honorary status in 2026.

Summarizing, it is obvious that the opportunities of our Commonwealth as a multi-faceted platform for partnership have not yet been fully realized. I am sure that our joint constructive efforts should be aimed at achieving significant progress in tapping the full potential of cooperation.

Taking this opportunity, I would like to confirm the unchanging constructive attitude of the Armenian side to deepen mutually beneficial cooperation in all areas of mutual interest in the framework of achieving the priorities of the Kyrgyz chairmanship in the Commonwealth this year.

Thanks for attention".

Prime Minister Pashinyan, together with CIS partners, also toured the booths of the exhibition entitled "Eurasia. our home", got acquainted with the production of companies of the CIS countries in various fields.

* * *

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan participated in the regular session of the Eurasian Intergovernmental Council in Sochi.

The Prime Minister delivered a speech, in which he specifically stated:

"Dear Heads of Government,
Dear members of delegations,

First of all, let me thank our Russian colleagues and Mikhail Vladimirovich Mishustin personally for the hospitality and the traditionally high level of organization of the Eurasian Intergovernmental Council session and related events.

This year, for the first time, we celebrated the Eurasian Economic Union Day, which is associated with the signing of the Union Treaty on May 29, 2014, and I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate all of us on this significant event.

During these nine years, we have achieved considerable success.

Today, the EAEU plays a key role in strengthening economic ties, establishing a single market, promoting trade and creating a favorable environment for business and investment, and has achieved significant results that have had a positive impact on the lives of our citizens.

I am confident that our Union will continue to move towards achieving the goals set at the basis of its creation.

Dear colleagues,

Freedom of movement of goods, services, capital and labor is one of the main principles of integration and largely predetermines the reason behind creation and operation of our integration union.

Consistent improvement of the legislative framework in such sensitive areas as the recognition of academic degree and title documents, driver's licenses, and electronic documents authenticated by electronic signatures is an important factor in the practical implementation of the goals of the four freedoms.

In this context, I consider it important to sign an agreement on the mutual recognition of documents regarding scientific degrees, which will allow their holders to carry out professional activities in the country where they work within the framework of labor migration.

We commend the work carried out in the direction of the elimination of obstacles in the EAEU internal market. I would like to note that at the moment the Republic of Armenia does not have any obstacles to enter its market.

We certainly support and consider the introduction and development of mediation procedures aimed at ensuring the functioning of the internal market of the Union to be highly demanded. The task of the Commission should not be reduced to the formal recording of violations of Union law. Our supranational body should act based on the critical importance of ensuring the full-fledged and smooth functioning of the internal market of the Union in order to achieve our ultimate and most important goal - the well-being of citizens of the EAEU countries.

From the point of view of preventing the emergence of new barriers to trade in the future, it is crucial to continue working towards achieving carbon neutrality and moving towards a green agenda.

In general, we support the approach of coordinated actions of states in the climate sphere within the framework of the Paris Agreement to equalize the tension of the plans for decarbonization of the member states' economies.

In the context of the transition of partnership from a declarative to a more practical direction, I would like to note the development of the First Package of Actions on Climate Change. The existence of a coherent and realistic program and a pragmatic approach to its development and implementation can indeed multiply the expected results in terms of technological development and ensure the consolidation of efforts made by each Member State.

Let me note that long-term goals for low-carbon development can be achieved if the share of renewable resources is increased. The development of renewable energy sources, energy efficiency, green technologies and environmentally friendly infrastructures will undoubtedly contribute to increasing competitiveness in the global market.

Obviously, the climate agenda today rests on such a layer of issues as the technological transformation of the economy and the transition to a new technological platform.

The digital economy is an objective reality of today. Digital technologies create sources of competitive advantage for states.

The full implementation of the “Digital Agenda” and the general processes of the EAEU Integrated Information System in the Member States will be a powerful incentive for the development of the digital economy and the rapid implementation of economic processes between our countries.

Logistics is another area that has a significant impact on end-user pricing and requires digital solutions as well.

One of solutions is the use of navigation seals, which not only allows optimizing logistics by ensuring absolute “transparency” and “uninterrupted” transportation, but also simplifies and speeds up the delivery of goods to the recipient.

Despite the steps already taken, we still face certain difficulties. In this regard, I want to emphasize the importance of cooperation between the Member States on strengthening logistics chains, developing and modernizing transport infrastructure.

In the context of the development of the Eurasian transport space, the development and implementation of priority integration infrastructure projects, as well as the development of specific mechanisms for financing these projects, including through the use of the potential of such financial institutions as the Eurasian Development Bank, Armenia is making every effort to provide the necessary conditions for encouraging development of the strategic directions "North-South" and "East-West".

Dear participants of the session,

In parallel, the EAEU continues to be active in the international arena. The conclusion of a free trade agreement with Iran will be a strong impetus for the development of strategic relations and an important direction for the development of cooperation. The work done for concluding a full-scale agreement made it possible to form a package of agreements providing for preferential access for exports of the Union Member States to Iran. Such conditions of access to the Iranian market for our exporters can be called exclusive.

We believe that this year, with the support of the member states of the Union, we will be able to sign this agreement, given that the Iranian side, in turn, demonstrates the same readiness.

In conclusion, I would like to wish us all success and fruitful work and once again confirm the readiness of the Armenian side to make efforts to implement the priority areas of Eurasian integration.

Taking this opportunity, dear Mikhail Vladimirovich, I would like to congratulate you on the occasion of the national holiday - Russia Day, which will be celebrated on June 12, and wish all Russians peace, well-being and prosperity.

Thank you for attention".

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Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan participated in the opening ceremony and panel discussion of the Third Eurasian Congress in Sochi. The Heads of Government of the Russian Federation, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Cuba and Azerbaijan also took part in the event.

In his speech, Prime Minister Pashinyan said,

“Dear colleagues,
Dear participants of the Congress,

First of all, I want to thank our Russian colleagues and the Eurasian Development Bank for organizing and hosting this major event.

The high-level exchange of views on topical issues makes it possible not only to keep abreast and identify the challenges facing our region, but also to find effective solutions through joint efforts for the benefit of the sustainable development of our countries.

Returning directly to the topic of discussion, I note that the indicators of economic growth and activity in the Republic of Armenia create favorable ground for the formation of very optimistic expectations both for the current year and for the near future.

In 2022, the Armenian economy recorded unprecedented economic growth. GDP growth compared to 2021 amounted to 12.6 percent. This is the highest rate since 2008. Growth in industries, trade, including trade services, and construction contributed to this. Export growth over the past year amounted to 77.7 percent, with exports to the EAEU countries growing nearly 3 times. But I note that for us this is not the limit.

Sustainable development is possible only if there is a balance of three main components: economic growth, social responsibility and environmental balance.

Eurasia has a huge potential for economic growth, and we need to implement joint large-scale projects in the field of energy, digitalization, logistics, the climate agenda and other areas of mutual interest.

One of the most important factors in the development of the national economies of our countries is the provision of logistics security. Strengthening the potential of national economies is also conditioned by a competent approach to ensuring energy security. Based on the current geopolitical realities, a new approach to the energy agenda is needed.

Currently, Armenia is actively working on the gradual liberalization of the electricity market, which opens up new opportunities and creates favorable conditions for interstate electricity trade.

We are developing production capacities, carrying out large-scale reconstruction of substations and power lines, and building Armenia-Iran and Armenia-Georgia high-voltage lines, which contribute to the formation of the North-South Electricity Corridor and create new opportunities for increasing exports, imports, transit or seasonal power exchange. Thus, Armenia can become a kind of regional electricity hub.

It is also fundamentally important to continue working towards achieving carbon neutrality and moving forward with a green agenda. The green economy is an alternative to the dominant economic model, which causes scarcity of resources and poses threats to the environment.

No wonder that these issues are firmly included not only in the environmental, but also in the economic agenda.

Armenia's green energy policy is primarily aimed at decarbonizing and limiting greenhouse gas emissions, developing the use of renewable and alternative sources for energy production, stimulating the introduction of energy-efficient and resource-saving technologies, introducing innovative science-intensive technologies, as well as fulfilling the international obligations of countries on the global climate agenda.

In this context, I consider the development and maximum use of the potential of renewable energy to be an interesting topic for discussion. Renewable energy sources such as solar, wind and hydro power have enormous potential to drive economic growth and promote sustainable development in the region. By investing in renewable energy, one can contribute to the global efforts to combat climate change.

In addition to the development of renewable energy sources, it is also necessary to pay attention to nuclear energy, which is a clean, decarbonized energy. The development of nuclear energy is also important from the point of view of ensuring energy security and independence of the Union countries. To this end, we continue taking steps towards the prospective use of nuclear energy, extending the design life of the 2nd unit of the Armenian NPP and carrying out work on the construction of a new power unit.

Colleagues,

I would like to note that the core element of ensuring equal economic competition at the global level is the effective development of state of the art digital tools and technologies.

I specially want to dwell on the rapidly progressing field of artificial intelligence, which can change many areas of human life. Experts predict that in the future, AI algorithms will become more personalized, allowing experiences and services to be customized based on individual preferences, and AI will become more advanced and integrated into society.

Overall, the future of artificial intelligence is exciting, but it is important to consider the ethical implications and ensure that artificial intelligence is developed and used in a responsible and useful way.

At the same time, one should not forget that innovations are first of all people who create them, their creative energy and will, so the development of human potential is very important.

Dear participants of the Congress,

We can endlessly discuss the topic "Eurasia of the future", which is very interesting and multifaceted, but in general, the future of Eurasia will in all probability be determined by the combination of economic and technological trends, and our success will depend on our ability to make the right choice in these challenges and opportunities.

In conclusion, I will note that the understanding of mutual interests and willingness to compromise, focus on cooperation and dialogue are distinctive features of the Eurasian region, and may become the key to solving many issues in the future.

Thank you for attention”.

* * *

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan had a meeting with the President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin in Sochi.

Russian President Vladimir Putin - "Dear Nikol Vladimirovich, we meet regularly, I am very happy to talk once again about the current state of bilateral relations and regional issues, which we discussed in detail during the previous meeting. I am very happy to see you."

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan - "Thank you dear Vladimir Vladimirovich. First of all I want to congratulate you on the upcoming Russia Day and wish the best for the Russian Federation. Yes indeed, we meet regularly and discuss a wide range of issues. Today we will also discuss bilateral agenda and regional issues. We will also discuss the situation in Nagorno Karabakh, in the zone of responsibility of the Russian peacekeepers, unfortunately the humanitarian situation there remains tense. There has been no gas and electricity in Nagorno-Karabakh for several months, the situation in the Lachin Corridor continues to be quite tense. By the way, I must emphasize that now the supplies of food to Nagorno Karabakh are carried out with the support of Russian peacekeepers, it is a limited amount of food. The humanitarian crisis in Nagorno-Karabakh continues and it is also a very important issue and I am sure we will discuss it today."

The meeting of the participants of the sessions of the Eurasian Intergovernmental Council and the Council of Heads of Government of the CIS countries with the President of the Russian Federation also took place.