YEREVAN. – The Armenian-Russian Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation session was convened in Saint Petersburg, Russia.  

Before the opening of the session, however, the commission’s co-chairs—Armenian Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan and Russian Federation (RF) Transportation Minister Maxim Sokolov—held a private talk, informs the Armenian Government press service. 

“The trade and economic ties between our countries are developing. But along with this progress, an event has occurred which has fundamental importance: Armenia has decided to enter the Customs Union and, in the future, to also participate in the formation of the Eurasian Economic Union.

“Russia has supported this decision and expressed willingness to assist in this process. This compels us to [take] consistent and purposeful actions. Armenia’s decision made in favor of the Customs Union is a fully conscious and a measured step,” Armenia’s PM stressed, in particular. 

Speaking on the tasks before the Armenian-Russian Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation, Sargsyan noted that they must be determined to a large extent by the recommendations for the development of bilateral cooperation.

“The matter also refers to ensuring energy safety,” he added.    

On his part, Maxim Sokolov noted that Russia likewise attaches great importance to the session of the intergovernmental commission. 

“Russia and Armenia maintain trade and economic ties, [and] a dynamic development is recorded in Armenian-Russian economic ties,” Sokolov specifically said. 

The RF minister of transport also gave a high assessment to the bilateral cooperation in making investments.

“Following Armenia’s decision to join the Customs Union, our strategic relationships elevate to a qualitatively new level,” he added. 

Sokolov also expressed confidence that the two countries will be able to carry out numerous projects within the framework of the Customs Union. 

Subsequently, Tigran Sargsyan and Maxim Sokolov signed the minutes of the Armenian-Russian Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation session.