Lavrov in Yerevan: How Is Russia Consolidating Its Position in the South Caucasus?

    Sergey Lavrov, Russia’s Foreign Minister, arrived in Yerevan on May 20, 2025, for a series of high-level talks with Armenian leaders. His visit includes meetings with Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, and President Vahagn Khachaturyan. The discussions cover a wide range of issues, including bilateral relations, regional security, and prospects for normalizing Armenia’s relations with Azerbaijan and Turkey.

    Before the official meetings began, Lavrov laid a wreath at the Eternal Flame in Yerevan’s Victory Park, paying tribute to the memory of those who fell in the Great Patriotic War. Following this, the foreign ministers of Russia and Armenia held a three-hour meeting, addressing key topics such as bilateral cooperation, regional security, and the peace process. Lavrov also held separate meetings with Armenia’s Prime Minister and President to discuss the political situation in the region and ways to further strengthen bilateral ties.

    Key areas of discussion included:

    • Peace process between Armenia and Azerbaijan: Lavrov and Mirzoyan reviewed the progress in drafting a peace agreement between the two countries, emphasizing the need to resolve the two remaining contentious points. Russia expressed its readiness to help mediate outstanding disagreements and support the peace process.
    • Armenia-Turkey relations: The talks also addressed efforts to restore diplomatic ties with Turkey. The Armenian side voiced concern over Turkey’s attempts to link normalization with Armenia to its reconciliation process with Azerbaijan, which Yerevan views as an unconstructive approach.
    • Cooperation within the EAEU: The parties discussed prospects for deepening cooperation within the Eurasian Economic Union, even as Armenia seeks closer ties with the European Union. Armenia reaffirmed its commitment to the EAEU while continuing parallel efforts to engage with the EU.

    Lavrov’s visit to Yerevan underscores the strategic importance of Russia-Armenia relations, as well as Moscow’s interest in supporting stability and peace in the South Caucasus.


    Source: Kommersant

     


    #ARMENIA
    #RUSSIA

    21.05.2025 11:45