Armenia and Russia agreed to intensify cooperation between food safety regulators

YEREVAN, August 14. /ARКА/. A meeting held in Almaty, Kazakhstan, resulted in an agreement to enhance collaboration between the Armenian Food Safety Inspectorate and the Russian agricultural authority, Rosselkhoznadzor. This was confirmed by the Armenian Ministry of Economy's press service, following discussions between Armenian Minister of Economy Gevorg Papoyan and Russian Minister of Agriculture Oksana Lut. 

Papoyan highlighted the importance of constructive dialogue to address current issues and find mutually beneficial solutions, which are vital for advancing economic cooperation between the two nations. 

The discussions covered various aspects of strengthening ties in the agro-industrial sector, including the removal of existing barriers to product supply from Armenian businesses to the Russian Federation and their transit through Russia to other nations, along with the implementation of additional control measures. 

After the meeting, Russian media, referencing the Russian Ministry of Agriculture, reported that to resume imports of previously restricted goods, products from Armenia must meet EAEU veterinary and phytosanitary standards, and suppliers are required to comply with safety regulations for the products being shipped. 

Since late May, Russia has been gradually imposing restrictions on certain products from Armenia, citing breaches of phytosanitary regulations. These restrictions encompass flowers, mineral water, specific beverages and alcoholic drinks, vegetables, fruits, berries, grapes, potatoes, dried fruits, and more recently, live fish and fish products. Dairy items were included in the restrictions on July 27. 

Additionally, there is a prohibition on the transit of products originating from Armenia through Russia to other EAEU countries.-0-