President Vladimir Putin of Russia and Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan met on Thursday in St. Petersburg ahead of an international economic summit, where the Armenian leader is scheduled to deliver a speech. According to Pashinyan’s press office the focus of the meeting was advancing Russia-Armenia economic relations.

“I am very happy to welcome you once again, this time in St. Petersburg. The economic forum of St. Petersburg is a good opportunity to meet with partners and discuss economic issues. There is no need to discuss bilateral issues, since we do it regularly. Russia is a leading partner for Armenia in terms of trade and many other aspects, which shows the good relations between our two countries,” said Putin in welcoming Pashinyan and reminding him of Russia’s investments in Armenia, which amount to $2 billion annually or 26 percent of Armenia total investment, according to the Russian leader

Pashinyan praised bilateral ties between Russia and Armenia, and added that the cooperation between the two countries is further enhanced due to their membership in and cooperation within the Eurasian Economic Union, the Commonwealth of Independence States and the Collective Security Treaty Organization

“The economic growth of our country amounted to 9.2 percent in April. This is a good indicator not only for Armenia, but also for the EAEU,” said Pashinyan who explained that economic ties between Russia and Armenia were mainly conditioned by the EEU.

“This year we have registered quite optimistic economic indicators. We have recorded 7.1 percent economic in the 1st quarter of the year. In April the index of our economic activity amounted to 9.2 percent,” said Pashinayn who pointed out the importance of Russian market for Armenian goods.

Pashinyan also pointed to the growing number of tourists who travel to Armenia, which he said is a clear sign of advancing relation between the two countries. He also added that the tourists have indicated that they feel welcome in Armenia and enjoy traveling there for vacation.

“I hope that we will manage to find solutions on some issues which will not disrupt this good pace of economic growth,” added Pashinyan.

According to Pashinyan’s press office, the two leaders also discussed future cooperation efforts outside of the economic sphere and pledged to strengthen the activities of inter-governmental commissions and organizations.

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