Pashinyan and Putin Continue Discussions Behind Closed Doors: Conclusion of Open Meeting

The open segment of the meeting between Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Russian President Vladimir Putin, lasting about an hour, has concluded in Bishkek. After discussions concerning Armenia's process of joining the EU and its membership in the EAEU, the sides agreed to continue their conversations behind closed doors.

During the meeting, Pashinyan emphasized that Armenia's initiation of the EU membership process is not aimed against Russia or the EAEU. “This process is not against Russia, it is not against the EAEU. We hold our relations with Russia in high regard; they are indeed important to us. We hope they are also important to Russia. And we must treat these relations with care,” Pashinyan stated.

He reaffirmed that both he and the Armenian government regard their relationship with Russia in that way. Pashinyan also addressed the legislation regarding the commencement of the EU membership process, noting that by adopting this law, Armenia has effectively abandoned the idea of conducting a referendum on EU membership at this stage, as the matter has yet to mature.

In turn, Putin stated that according to his assessment, the adoption of the law to begin the process of joining another organization signifies a declaration of leaving the current union. The Russian president also mentioned that Moscow wants to understand Armenia's future choice as quickly as possible, in the context of the EU and EAEU.

Pashinyan countered that the Armenian side has examined the legal basis and finds no violations regarding either Russia or the EAEU in the EU membership process. He stressed that Armenia has not declared its withdrawal from the EAEU.

Thus, the parties' stances on the legal assessments concerning the EU accession process and Armenia's membership in the EAEU do not align. The open segment of the meeting has concluded, and Pashinyan and Putin will continue their discussions behind closed doors.