We always treat our neighbors and allies as people who have their own views on life and foreign policy.

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister and State Secretary Grigory Karasin told the above-said to Kommersant newspaper of Russia. He noted this when asked about Moscow’s view on the recent signing of the European Union (EU)-Armenia Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement.

“Our [Russia’s] neighbors are sovereign states; this applies also to our CSTO, EAEU allies,” he said. “It’s understandable in the modern era that they develop multi-vector contacts; it’s natural in the 21st century.

“We have never made our neighbors and allies make a choice; but we have the right to expect preeminence of allied relations.

“Besides, the agreements signed in other formats—including the Armenia-EU agreement—shall not violate the commitments on which we have already come to an agreement.”