Russia Singles Out Armenia as ‘Key Partner’ in Caucasus

Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov singled out Armenia as its “key strategic partner in the Caucasus” while discussing his country’s relations with Ukraine, Georgia and Armenia.

During an interview with the Russian Argumenty i Fakty weekly newspaper, Lavrov wa asked whether he believes that Moscow is geopolitically losing in Armenia, Ukraine and Georgia, to which Lavrov responded that Moscow is not indifferent to the political processes in those countries.

“The political processes in Ukraine, Georgia and Armenia concern us because they are our brotherly peoples and we are tied by a long history of relations, including being part of one state,” told Argumenty i Facti newspaper.

“Unfortunately, after the collapse of the USSR, the West was confident that the ‘end of history’ had come, and it is now allowed to blatantly interfere in the affairs of certain states and callously take over domestic political processes. Ukraine is perhaps the most glaring example,” explained Lavrov.

“Armenia is a different story,” said Lavrov. “This country is Russia’s key partner in the South Caucasus with whom we have strong strategic relations and an alliance. We are engaged in an extensive political dialogue and cooperate between parliaments and on the international scene. Russia is Armenia’s leading economic partner. Our links in the education, culture, investment, military and technical sector are on the rise.”