Armenian FM expects to discuss work of EU Mission in Armenia with his Russian counterpart

YEREVAN. March 17 (Interfax) - Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan plans to meet with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Moscow to discuss the deployment of a civilian European Union Mission in the country.

"We all know that Russia has a sensitive approach to the European Union Mission. We are discussing this issue with our partners. The Armenian foreign minister is scheduled to visit Moscow soon, and this issue will definitely be on the agenda," Armenian Deputy Foreign Minister Paruyr Hovhannisyan told the parliament on Friday.

Mirzoyan will visit Moscow on March 20.

The EU Mission began its work in Armenia on February 20. The mission's objectives are to promote stability in Armenian border regions, foster confidence and security in conflict affected areas, and ensure conditions contributing to the normalization of relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan with EU support.

The Mission, which has a two-year mandate, consists of about 100 personnel, including around 50 unarmed observers. It was set up as part of the Common Security and Defense Policy (CSDP), in line with the decision of the EU Council of January 23, 2023 and at the request of the Armenian foreign minister of December 27, 2022.