Armenia's EU aspirations threaten to nullify its advantages in the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), Putin

YEREVAN, September 2. /ARKA/. Armenia's EU aspirations are the legitimate right of the country and its people, Armenia, but they create difficulties in its membership in the EAEU and threaten to nullify the country's advantages in the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) market and disrupt established trade chains. Russian President Vladimir Putin stated this at a meeting with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan in Bishkek.

"Over more than 10 years of participation in Eurasian integration processes, Armenia's GDP has nearly tripled: $10.6 billion in 2015 and $29.2 billion by the end of 2025, according to our statistics. The union's exports have increased tenfold. Today, the union's market accounts for approximately 36% of its foreign trade turnover," he said. In this regard, the Russian leader emphasized that the people of Armenia must clearly decide on the country's future political and economic course.
"But at the same time, as we have said, it is important to approach this matter objectively, based on realities, and take appropriate steps. I repeat, we will respect any choice the Armenian people make. Whatever Armenia decides, so it will be," he said.

Putin asked Armenia to resolve this issue as quickly as possible, adding: "We must adjust our trade and economic policies in light of these possible decisions."

"The sooner we decide, the better, because we also need to understand how to develop relations with Armenia, primarily in economic terms. Some issues—regulation of, say, agricultural products, regulation of various technical norms and standards—are completely at odds with the Eurasian Economic Community and the EU," he said.

In his response, Pashinyan said it was important for the Armenian side to have an alternative.

"This doesn't mean we're dissatisfied with the EAEU. Despite the fact that the EAEU has many working issues, we always discuss them. Both strategic and tactical issues.

This is considered a legitimate goal—to have alternatives for the state, for the country.

And this process isn't against Russia or the EAEU. Because we highly value our relations with the Russian Federation. We hope that these relations are also important for the Russian Federation. I want to confirm that I personally and our government treat these relations very carefully, and I hope that you too treat them carefully," he said.

The Armenian Prime Minister also noted that the time will come when a very specific choice will need to be made.
"Our position is simply that the time is not ripe at the moment. We don't have an alternative right now. When one is created (if it is), then we will make a choice, with or without a referendum. Such options exist, too," he explained.

In response, Putin stated: "I agree that the people should always have a choice. So make it that way. And that's it. The simplest thing is to turn to the people and ask, 'What do you want? This way or that way?' And that's it."