As is known, on April 1, Russian President Vladimir Putin received Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan in Moscow.
Medianews.az took the transcript of the part of the meeting open to the media from the Kremlin.ru website and translated it into Azerbaijani. We present the text of the dialogue between Putin and Pashinyan on April 1 to our readers.
Vladimir Putin: Dear Nikol Vladimirovich! Dear friends!
We are very glad to see you in Moscow. Thank you for accepting our invitation and coming.
We see that internal political processes in Armenia are accelerating and elections will be held soon. In this regard, there are several points I want to draw attention to: the main thing is that the internal political processes, which always intensify during any election campaign, do not cause any harm to the relations between Russia and Armenia.
We have discussed this repeatedly. The relations between Russia and Armenia are special; they have been formed not for decades but centuries. We are united by common history, joint efforts in the past to solve common problems. We are also united by civilizational closeness, which is extremely important. I have told you this in private conversations, and I can say it openly: every step made for the benefit of the Armenian people satisfies us, and you can always rely on this.
Regarding the economy, it is developing at a good pace. Last year, the trade turnover was 11 billion dollars, but last year — 2025 — it was 6.4 billion dollars. I want to point out that, for example, with neighboring Azerbaijan, this figure is less than 5 billion — 4.9 billion. This also creates a certain picture. Of that 6.5 billion, 1.2 billion is agricultural products — vegetables, fruits, wine, and other products exported by Armenia.
In this context, some sectors have special significance for our relations. For example, energy. I have already mentioned agriculture.
We see that relations with the European Union are being discussed in Armenia. We approach this calmly and understand that every country tries to make the most of cooperation with third parties. But this must be expressed clearly and in advance.
It is not possible to be simultaneously in a customs union with both the European Union and the Eurasian Economic Union — this is fundamentally impossible. This is not a political but purely an economic issue. Because in many areas, a long-term, years-long harmonization is required. For example, the valuation of goods, market access, phytosanitary control over agricultural products. These requirements differ significantly between Russia and the European Union.
There are also many other problems. Perhaps years later, these issues between the Eurasian Union and the European Union will be resolved — I hope this will be so, because we live on the same continent. But even before the Ukraine crisis, attempts to build cooperation with Europe were unsuccessful. They took a very tough position on almost every issue.
Regarding energy, I hope the situation will improve here as well. Currently, in Europe, the price of gas is more than 600 dollars per 1000 cubic meters, while Russia sells gas to Armenia at 177.5 dollars. The difference is very large.
We often argue about this issue. I know that you propose different approaches for determining prices. But the difference is obvious: 600 and 177.5.
Looking at the Armenian economy, in recent years exports to Eurasian Union countries have increased tenfold. This is your and your team's decision — where and with whom to work is your choice.
Regarding security issues, the most sensitive topic is Karabakh. We understand this well and discuss it frequently. We know that you had questions and dissatisfaction related to the Collective Security Treaty Organization. But after recognizing Karabakh as part of Azerbaijan in Prague in 2022, this issue was accepted as an internal matter of Azerbaijan, and CSTO intervention would not be appropriate.
Today, as a result of your and the Azerbaijani President’s efforts, stabilization of relations is observed. The US President has also participated in this process, and transport connections are being restored. The work in this direction must continue.
At the same time, it would be better if this topic does not become part of the election campaign.
Many Armenians live in Russia — according to our calculations, more than 2 million. There are also many pro-Armenian political forces in Russia.
I want to say openly: we would like all political forces to be able to participate in the election process. We know that some are imprisoned. This is your internal matter; we do not interfere, but we would like them to also participate in the political process.
Once again, I want to emphasize: Russia will always take into account the interests of the Armenian people.
I hope that regardless of the election results in Armenia, the development of our relations will continue.
Thank you.
Nikol Pashinyan: Thank you very much, Vladimir Vladimirovich.
Thank you for the invitation and the sincere reception.
V.Putin: We will also have lunch together shortly.
N.Pashinyan: Thank you in advance for the invitation. (Laughter)
We recently met in Saint Petersburg and had very successful talks. Our relations are so rich that there is a frequent need to meet and there are always topics to discuss.
Our relations with Russia are deep and very important to us. Against the background of new realities in the region, these relations are dynamically developing — especially after peace was established between Armenia and Azerbaijan.
This also positively affects our relations with Russia. For the first time since independence, we have established railway connections with Russia. We import goods from Russia through Azerbaijan by railway and hope to soon start exports as well.
This strengthens our economic ties and cooperation within the Eurasian Economic Union.
Regarding the European Union, we know it is not compatible to be members of both unions. But within our current agenda, these processes still align. When the need arises to make a choice, Armenian citizens will decide.
Our relations with Russia have never been questioned and will not be.
We also cooperate closely in the energy sector. Especially, we are expanding cooperation in new technologies, including solar energy. We are also discussing the construction of a new nuclear power plant. We are fully transparent on these issues and conduct talks with other partners as well.
Peace has already been established between Armenia and Azerbaijan. The US President has also played a role in this process, but you have also played an important part in normalizing relations.
After returning from Washington last year, I told you that these events open new opportunities for our relations. This is now a fact.
Regarding the Karabakh issue, we have already declared that political movement on this topic should not continue because Armenia and Azerbaijan have recognized each other's territorial integrity. This is based on the 1991 Alma-Ata Declaration and is a strong foundation for lasting peace.
We have not hidden our problems with the CSTO either. A specific situation arose in 2022, but the organization's mechanisms did not work. This led to the current situation.
Regarding internal politics, Armenia is a democratic country and political processes are always active. Social networks are completely free, there are no restrictions.
Only Armenian citizens can participate in parliamentary elections. Persons with dual citizenship cannot be candidates.
I am confident that in recent years our relations have gone through many trials and a climate of trust has been formed. For this, I thank you.
After the elections, democracy will strengthen and our relations will develop.
Our agenda is broad and there are many unused opportunities. I hope we will use these opportunities as a result of our dialogue.
Thank you.
V.Putin: I thank you as well.