During a joint press conference with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan addressed the upcoming withdrawal of Russian border guards from the Armenian-Iranian border, emphasizing that it should not be seen as a major issue.

“The situation in that area has always been calm,” Mirzoyan stated. “From the very first day of Armenia’s independence, at our request, Russian border guards were temporarily involved in ensuring the security of the border between Armenia and Iran. Upon the expiration of service time, we expressed our gratitude to the Russian side and the relevant Russian authorities for their long-term service on our border.”

Mirzoyan reiterated the strength of Armenia’s bilateral security cooperation with Russia, highlighting their alliance and ongoing collaborative agreements. He also noted Armenia’s positive relations with Iran and expressed optimism about the benefits of Russia’s developing partnership with Iran. “We have very good and neighborly relations with Iran, and now Russia is also developing partnership relations with Iran. I believe that all countries will benefit from this cooperation,” he said.

The decision to transfer full security responsibilities for the Armenian-Iranian border checkpoint to the Armenian Border Service starting January 1, 2025, was reached during an October 8, 2024, meeting between Armenian PM Nikol Pashinyan and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Alen Simonyan: Armenia Has No Plans to Leave EAEU Despite EU Integration Process

Armenia has no intention of withdrawing from the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), Speaker of Parliament Alen Simonyan clarified during a press briefing on January 21. The statement comes amid discussions about the Armenian government’s decision to approve a bill initiating a process toward EU integration.

Simonyan emphasized that the EU integration process reflects the “will of the Armenian people” and will be deliberated in parliament. “We shall discuss that will in the parliament, we will vote and make a decision. Then we will see. But I don’t think the Russian side should have such deep concerns about that. Combining that cooperation can’t be a problem,” Simonyan stated, underscoring that Armenia remains committed to dialogue with Russia on such matters.

The Speaker reaffirmed Armenia’s position as a sovereign nation, stressing that decisions will be based solely on the country’s national interests. He acknowledged the economic benefits of the EAEU for Armenia, declaring, “In terms of the economy, the Eurasian Economic Union is a beneficial organization for Armenia, and we have no tendency to leave it. We want to continue.”

When asked about Armenia’s relationship with Russia, Simonyan attributed recent tensions to Russia’s own actions. “What Russia has been losing in our region in terms of Armenia is due to its own steps, because of Russia having left us by ourselves in the region and having left the region,” he said.

Alen Simonyan rejected any accusations against Armenia for prioritizing its security and sovereignty, emphasizing that the country is taking necessary steps to ensure its survival in a challenging geopolitical environment.