Russian President Vladimir Putin held a telephone conversation with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and congratulated him on his birthday, according to the Kremlin press service.
“The results of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council meeting held in Astana on May 29 were discussed,” the Kremlin statement said.
Earlier, it was reported that the Russian president had sent a birthday message to the Armenian prime minister. Putin emphasized that Moscow remains interested in the further development of relations with Armenia.
According to a statement released by the Armenian government, the two leaders agreed to continue their discussions at a future meeting in person.
“The sides exchanged views on current issues on the bilateral and multilateral agenda. The Prime Minister of Armenia thanked the President of Russia for his balanced positions on a number of issues that have given rise to differing interpretations, as well as for the friendly tone and support. The interlocutors agreed to continue their discussions at the next suitable opportunity in a face-to-face format,” the statement from the Armenian prime minister’s press service said.
Earlier, Vladimir Putin stated that Armenia should clarify its position on participation in the Eurasian Economic Union as soon as possible. He stressed that every country is free to choose its partners, but full membership in two different integration blocs simultaneously is not possible.
According to the Russian president, if Armenia leaves the EAEU, it will lose the benefits of existing free trade agreements, face stricter requirements in freight transportation, and Armenian labor migrants in Russia would have to obtain work permits. He also said that energy resources would become more expensive for Armenia, which, in his assessment, could cost the country roughly 14 percent of its GDP.
