Armenia hopes to improve relations with Russia

Armenia is expanding the diversification of its foreign trade, but this does not diminish the importance of its economic ties with Russia.

Operative Information Center-OMM reports, citing Sputnik Armenia, that Foreign Minister and Minister of International Trade Ararat Mirzoyan made the remarks during parliamentary committee discussions on the draft 2027 state budget.

The minister stressed that trade diversification should not be understood as shifting supply routes from Russia to the EU. He described the Persian Gulf countries as a promising destination for agricultural exports and noted that Armenian flowers are already being shipped to 30 countries, including Turkmenistan.

Mirzoyan also said he hoped to discuss relations with Russia comprehensively, improve them and lift the trade restrictions in place.

Since May, Russia’s Rosselkhoznadzor has introduced restrictions in stages on supplies from Armenia of fish, flowers, greens, strawberries, stone fruits and other plant products, citing phytosanitary violations. Russia nevertheless remains the main market for Armenian agricultural exports, receiving more than 90% of them.