Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan recently reached out to Russian President Vladimir Putin, seeking assistance in lifting trade restrictions that Russia has imposed on Armenian exports. During their phone call, Pashinyan highlighted that these restrictions contravene both the bilateral agreements and the regulations of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), of which both countries are members. He expressed Armenia’s readiness to engage in dialogue to resolve the issue and requested that steps be taken to address the matter.
The trade tensions arise as Armenia and Russia experience increasingly strained relations, partly due to Armenia’s growing ties with Western nations. In the previous month, Russia enacted temporary restrictions on the import of several Armenian goods, including fruits, vegetables, flowers, fish, and alcoholic beverages. This move has added further strain to the already complex relationship between the two countries.
Underlying the trade dispute are broader concerns related to Armenia’s foreign policy decisions. Russia has previously warned that Armenia’s inclination towards joining the European Union could influence its standing within the EAEU. Despite these geopolitical frictions, Russia continues to be Armenia’s most significant trading partner and a crucial supplier of energy.
Pashinyan’s call to Putin underscores the delicate balance Armenia is attempting to maintain between developing Western alliances and preserving its longstanding relationship with Russia. The Armenian government’s stance is to resolve the trade conflict through diplomatic discussions, emphasizing their commitment to upholding the agreements within the EAEU framework.