ArmInfo.Russia has always attached particular importance to strengthening friendly ties with Armenia as an ally and important partner. This is stated in the message of the Embassy of the Russian Federation in the Republic of Armenia on the occasion of the 32nd anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the countries.
"32 years ago, on April 3, 1992, diplomatic relations were established between the Russian Federation and the Republic of Armenia, two new post-Soviet states with an ancient history. This agreement marked the beginning of a new stage in the relations between our countries, whose peoples have always treated each other with the most friendly and warm feelings. Just a few years after this basic document, the Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation and Mutual Assistance was signed between both countries, and this is not by chance," the message says.
The embassy emphasized that both peoples, committed to common traditional values and national identity, have always been open and interested in mutual dialogue. "Over the past time, we have come a long way. We have accumulated invaluable experience of positive, constructive interaction for the benefit of both interested parties. Russia and Armenia are members of common integration associations: the EAEU, the CSTO and the CIS. We interact in UN bodies and other international formats. Between our countries have about two hundred cooperation agreements in a variety of fields. There are many mechanisms of bilateral cooperation in almost all areas, from economic and military-technical to interregional ties and youth forums. Separately, we would like to highlight interaction in the field of culture, education and science. Efforts, aimed at strengthening the moral basis of international relations through the civilizational "bridge" of culture - a significant contribution to creating conditions for genuine partnership. Suffice it to recall such iconic, outstanding figures who enriched the Russian-Armenian joint heritage, such as the marine painter I.K. Aivazovsky, the poet E.A. Charents, composers A.A. Spendiarov, A.I. Khachaturyan, A.A. Babajanyan, diplomat and writer A.S. Griboyedov, many other famous personalities. A special place in our common history is occupied by outstanding military leaders of the Russian Empire and the Soviet Union: D.A. Delyanov, M.P. Lazarev, I.Kh. Baghramyan, I.S. Isakov, A.Kh. Babajanyan, S.A. Khudyakov . The security sector also plays a very important role in the complex of our relations. The Russian 102nd military base and the presence of Russian border guards continue to be an invaluable factor in ensuring stability in Armenia and the South Caucasus as a whole. Cooperation in the economic sector is developing dynamically. Russia is Armenia's largest trading partner with a total share of 35.4% in its foreign trade, as well as a key investor, with a share of more than 40%. The total volume of bilateral trade turnover for 11 months of 2023 amounted to $6.3 billion (an increase of 40.8% compared to the same period last year). More than 40 large enterprises with 100 percent or partial participation of Russian capital operate in the leading sectors of the Republic's economy, and many of them are the largest taxpayers and employers in Armenia. Domestic entrepreneurs traditionally pay great attention to the social responsibility of business, and the enterprises they open are an integral part of the business landscape of Armenia and contribute to the development of the Republic," the statement says.
The document emphasizes that the high economic indicators of Armenia last year (GDP growth was about 8%), according to many experts, are largely due to cooperation with Russia, as well as membership in the EAEU. Notably, Yerevan is the leader in terms of economic growth rates among the Union countries in 2023.
Last year, Armenia's exports to the countries of the Eurasian Economic Union increased by 41% and amounted to $3.6 billion. Armenia sold the most goods to Russia for $3.4 billion (an increase of 38.8% by 2022), and there was a significant increase in trade with all EAEU countries - exports to Kyrgyzstan increased 4.8 -fold to $27 million USA, to Kazakhstan - 3.8-fold to 71 million US dollars, to Belarus - by 19.5% to 92 million US dollars.
From January 1 this year, Chairmanship of the Union passed from Moscow to Yerevan. " We are pleased to note that the priority directions of the Armenian chairmanship presented by Prime Minister N.V. Pashinyan to the heads of state of the EAEU are in many ways consonant with our views on Eurasian economic integration. For its part, the Russian Federation supports its partner's spirit for fruitful work and is ready to provide it with everything it needs assistance. Over the past decades, a lot has changed. Both the countries themselves and the world in which we live have changed. Unfortunately, in our communication there are contradictions and mutual claims. But the basis of bilateral relations remains the same: Close, allied ties between Russia and Armenia, interaction in all areas is what meets the fundamental, true interests of both Russians and Armenians. We are convinced that the correction of imbalances accumulated as a result of direct dialogue between Moscow and Yerevan, the return to "alliance normality" is not only possible, but also the only reasonable decision," the document says.