Overview

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has departed for Russia on a working visit, marking his first trip to the country since Armenia's parliamentary elections, according to the Armenian government's press service. Pashinyan is participating in the plenary session of the 16th Innoprom International Industrial Exhibition in Yekaterinburg and is scheduled to meet with Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin.

Key Events and Statements

During talks on the sidelines of the exhibition, Pashinyan expressed Armenia's readiness to deepen cooperation with Moscow. "Both before and after the elections, we are ready to further develop our ties with Russia," the Armenian prime minister said.

Mishustin, who is addressing the plenary session of the exhibition, voiced hope that Armenia's new government, formed after the recent vote, would maintain the trajectory of Russian-Armenian relations. He stated expectations that the new government would ensure the steady development of ties "in the spirit of friendship, neighborliness, and mutual respect, and also taking each other's interests into account."

Mishustin also emphasized the importance of Armenia creating comfortable conditions for Russian investors. Appearing before the assembled leaders, the Russian prime minister stressed that it was important for the Armenian government to continue ensuring a favorable environment for Russian businesses and to protect their rights and lawful interests.

Ministerial Meeting

In a related development, Armenian Economy Minister Gevorg Papoyan met with Russian Minister of Industry and Trade Anton Alikhanov during his visit. According to the Armenian Ministry of Economy, the two officials discussed the current state of Armenian-Russian trade and economic relations, opportunities for expanding industrial ties, and ways to promote investment cooperation. The ministry's press service said both sides affirmed their readiness to maintain a constructive dialogue to further develop bilateral trade and economic ties and cooperation in the industrial sector.

Exhibition Details

The Innoprom exhibition, organized by the Russian Industry and Trade Ministry and the Sverdlovsk regional government, brings together heads of government from Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) member states. Indonesia is the partner country of this year's event. In addition to Pashinyan, the gathering includes the prime ministers of Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, among other officials.