There was an argument between the President of Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko, and the Prime Minister of Armenia, Nikol Pashinyan, during the meeting of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) in Saint Petersburg, Russia regarding Armenia's participation in the next Supreme Eurasian Economic Council meeting to be held in Minsk, the capital of Belarus.

"In recent years, we have generally held two sessions of the Supreme Council a year, usually in May and December. The winter meeting traditionally takes place in host Russia. It probably makes no sense for us to change this practice, therefore, taking into account the chairmanship of Belarus in the EAEU bodies [in 2025], I suggest holding the summer meeting in Minsk and combining it with the Eurasian Economic Forum, as provided for in the statutory documents. I will not deviate from the established practice and will suggest organizing these events in the second half of May, around May 29 of the next year. If you have any suggestions or changes, we will make a further decision during the consultations. Therefore, around May 29," Lukashenko said.

In this regard, PM Nikol Pashinyan announced that the Armenian delegation will participate in the Minsk session through videoconference.

"Thank you, Alexander Grigorevich [Lukashenko]. I just want to make it clear that we [i.e. Armenia] are not against holding the meeting of the EAEU supreme economic council in Minsk, but I want to say in advance that our delegation will participate in the meeting via videoconference," Pashinyan said.

"What problem do you have? Is it [i.e. Armenia] far from Minsk? Or is there no one to take you there? Well, if necessary, we will organize for your delegation," responded Lukashenko.

"Alexander Grigorevich, I made a public statement about this, and this statement remains valid. I don't think this is the right format to discuss these issues. You just said, you raised the issue, and I had to respond immediately so that there are no misunderstandings," Pashinyan responded.

"Well, we will consider your petition," responded Alexander Lukashenko.

"What should we discuss? You cannot discuss my petition because my petition is not subject to discussion," responded Nikol Pashinyan.

"Yes. We will only discuss. Maybe there will be no TV so you can talk remotely," the Belarusian president said.

"There is no problem. There is no problem. There is no problem," the Armenian premier responded.