This is our first meeting after a long pause due to the coronavirus pandemic, and on this occasion, with satisfaction, I would like to state that the Eurasian Economic Union has resisted this trial with honor. This is what Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan stated in his speech during the regular session of the Eurasian Intergovernmental Council today.

Pashinyan particularly stated the following: “The Eurasian Economic Commission didn’t interrupt its activities for a second, and the sessions of the Board, the Intergovernmental Council and the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council, which were held via video calls, not only provided us with the opportunity to exchange information about the coronavirus situation in our respective countries, but also allowed us to continue to discuss issues and make decisions that will be of fundamental significance for the future of the Union.

Our cooperation wouldn’t be this effective, if it wasn’t for the strong friendship between our countries and peoples. I would especially like to thank Prime Minister of Russia Mikhail Mishustin and Deputy Prime Minister Alexey Overchuk for promptly responding to all the problems, particularly in regard to uninterrupted transportation between Russia and Armenia. In this context, I would like to mention the work of Belavia Airlines.

Dear friends,

The epidemiological situation in Armenia remains grave, despite the recent reassuring figures. The pandemic truly had a negative impact on all the aspects of our lives. It dealt a blow to the economy and social sector. The people are moving less, and circulation of goods and services has become difficult. There is an unprecedented workload in the healthcare system.

All countries are faced with these hardships to a certain extent. It is more than obvious that maintenance of peace and discontinuation of armed conflicts are a major precondition for a successful fight against the pandemic and against the economic crisis due to the pandemic.”