Zakhrova on EU–Armenia Visa Liberalization

The discussion on visa liberalization between the European Union and Armenia is a matter of Armenia's sovereign rights, and this issue has not been discussed by Moscow with Yerevan. However, it may become a topic of discussion in upcoming bilateral negotiations. This was stated by Maria Zakharova, the official representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry.

“The actions of our Armenian partners in this direction are their sovereign right and decision. We do not see any danger or negative consequences from such negotiations regarding the visa-free regime, which has been in place since the intergovernmental agreement from September 25, 2000,” Zakharova said.

She also added that the issue of the visa regime could be discussed in future bilateral meetings, as it is related to consular and border intricacies. Zakharova noted that in the current geopolitical situation, the West's generosity should be approached with caution, emphasizing that visa liberalization has a conjunctural nature, driven by the EU's desire to strengthen its influence in the South Caucasus and provoke geopolitical competition in the region.

On September 9, it was officially announced in Yerevan about the launch of dialogue regarding visa liberalization between Armenia and the EU.