Armenian PM affirms big potential, opportunity in developing relations with Russia
MOSCOW. April 3 (Interfax) - Armenia intends to develop relations with Russia, especially in the tourism industry, and sees its membership in the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) as a big potential, Armenian Prime Minister Karen Karapetyan said.
"Russia is a major partner and the biggest investor in Armenia. The 25th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic relations will be marked this year. Although the level of bilateral relations is rather high, our joint potential is even higher and we are suggesting a number of areas, which may diversify and broaden the scope of our collaboration," the prime minister told the newspaper Izvestia in an interview published on Monday.
Armenia "is interested in our Russian partners finding new occasions and programs for investment," the prime minister said, adding, "Armenia is open to investment."
"Ways to supply agricultural machines, to create a free economic zone, to attract Russian capital, to develop cooperation in the energy sector, and to involve Rosgeologia in our geological survey programs are being discussed," he said.
In addition, Karapetyan expressed his opinion on the two years of Armenia's membership in the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU).
"The EAEU logic looks absolutely pragmatic to us - we are becoming a group of five bonded by a huge market. Armenia has every chance to be successful there, and I see no reason why this shall not happen," the prime minister said.
"EAEU potential is much greater than we think," Karapetyan said. "We are exporting most of our finished products to markets of EAEU member countries, and I should say that, according to statistical data, Armenia's GDP grew year-on-year following its accession to the Union," he said.
The markets of the EAEU and Russia "offer good opportunities for Armenia's agricultural sector, which can produce meat, milk, cheese, salt and butter and sell them on the EAEU market... We have been traditionally successful in promoting our brandy. Production of wine, beer, juice and processing of agricultural produce have been successful, too," the prime minister said. In his words, trade turnover between Armenia and Russia grew by 6% in 2016.
The republic "aspires to be a bridge between the EAEU club and other economic blocs, such as members of the European Union, countries which have entered into association agreements with the EU, as well as Iran and Middle East countries," Karapetyan said.
"The EU is a major donor and investor in Armenia, and we are not stop cooperation with the EU while deepening partnership with EAEU member countries," the prime minister said. "We see ourselves as a country, which brings these two markets closer together, rather than dividing them," he said.