In the framework of the regular session of the Eurasian Supreme Council, newly elected Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and RF President Vladimir Putin held a private meeting in Sochi.

“Dear Mr. Prime Minister, dear colleagues, let me greet you once again and congratulate you on being elected to the post of head of the government of Armenia. To begin with, I would like to note that Armenia is a close partner and ally for Russia in the region in terms of both economic cooperation and security.

You know that Russia remains a leading trade and economic partner for Armenia, with a share of about 40% investments in Armenia’s economy. Recently, we had a 25% increase in trade turnover, while the volume of imports from Armenia is growing at a progressive pace: it reached the mark of 38% over the past few months. This is a very good dynamics, and I hope that we will manage not only to maintain, but also to build on it.

I wish you every success in the post of Prime Minister and I hope that our relations will continue to develop in the same way as it has been so far. We will work with the same activity on the international arena, in international organizations, including the United Nations, where Armenia and Russia have always supported each other, and the regional organizations, as well as in the matters of security and economic development,” Vladimir Putin said.

“Vladimir Vladimirovich, thank you for your kind remarks. I am happy to have the opportunity to meet with you several days after my election as Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia, as I think there are issues to be discussed, but what is not to be discussed is the allied and strategic relationship between Armenia and Russia.

In principle, I can assure you that there is a consensus in Armenia: no one has ever questioned the strategic importance of the Armenian-Russian relations, and I think it will not be questioned ahead. We are firmly determined and full of energy to give new impetus to our relationships in the political and trade-economic spheres. We hope to develop relations in the military-technical sphere and in other areas. Now many Russian tourists are coming to Armenia, which is encouraging. I think that Russian tourists like Armenia, while the Armenians like to see so many tourists in Yerevan.

We highly appreciate Russia’s balanced position during Armenia’s internal political crisis. I think it was a very constructive position that is highly appreciated not only by our government, but also by the Armenian society. Let me once again congratulate you on the past holidays: we watched the parade in Red Square with great interest.

We are impressed with the achievements of Russia’s military-industrial complex. Thank you once again for this opportunity,” Nikol Pashinyan said.