If we talk about the negotiations of the heads of the foreign ministries of Russia and Armenia, which recently took place in Moscow, then at the press conference relevant comments were given, including on these questions. Maria Zakharova, the spokesperson of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA), stated this at Thursday’s press briefing.

Zakharova noted the aforesaid in response to the following question of a reporter: “The speaker of the parliament of Armenia, Alen Simonyan, stated that Yerevan does not plan to withdraw from the EAEU—although the government of the republic at the same time approved the bill on accession to the European Union. At the same time, we all know that Moscow has repeatedly repeated in the past that it is impossible to be a member of two associations at the same time. And recently there were negotiations between the heads of the foreign ministries of our countries, Sergey Lavrov and Ararat Mirzoyan, respectively. It is interesting whether the Armenian side made any comments or explained during these negotiations its wish to sit on two ‘chairs’ at the same time. And what is the opinion of the Russian foreign ministry on this matter?”

“And accordingly, a statement was also publicized on the results [of the aforesaid negotiations]. If that is not enough, I will say again, everything is there. I can say again, perhaps, as an addition. The conversation was frank, but not everything was on video camera. Much was behind closed doors. It was behind closed doors for about three hours. Therefore, from here I can say that there was really a frank conversation on many points of particular relevance for the parties,” Zakharova said.

“Can you clarify? After these three hours, is there any hope for a positive resolution of the matter?” the reporter asked her.

“Never lose it,” the Russian MFA spox replied.