Azerbaijan didn’t express intention to join EEU: Ivan Volynkin
“Trade turnover between Armenia and Russia is increasing, number of commodities is growing, however, there are issues linked to Russian ruble depreciation. It has dropped as compared to Armenian dram (AMD). Likewise exhibitions boost development of bilateral trade relations. It more contributes to regional cooperation, as participants are different countries. Regional cooperation is very important,” Ivan Volynkin, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Russia to Armenia, told reporters today on the occasion of the International Industrial Exhibition “EXPO-RUSSIA ARMENIA plus IRAN” and Yerevan Business Forum to be held in the period of October 26-28. Among the participants are a few Russian regions, including St. Petersburg, Ryazan region, Altai and etc.
The Ambassador explained economic cooperation with Iran by the fact that Free trade economic zone and EEU are attractive to many countries, Iran is among them, which stated on its intention to participate in this exhibition, “The fact that Iran is joining this partnership will be positively reflected in general trade turnover.”
Regarding the impact of Western sanctions on Russian economy, the Ambassador said,
“One shouldn’t frighten with sanctions. On the one hand, yes, certain restrictions are available, however, on the other hand, Russian producers develop production on the line they need. Recently those very branches of economy have developed, import of goods from Armenia has increased. Import of agricultural goods from Armenia to Russia has reached considerable levels. So, we cooperate, Armenian production greatly supports us. And let the West think, that after unsanctioning, our market will be full of goods from other countries.”
David Vartanov, president of organizing committee of “EXPO-RUSSIA ARMENIA plus IRAN,” added although Russia-Turkey relations have improved, Russian market is closed for Turkey for fruits and vegetables import. Regarding the exhibition, he stated that Russian enterprises are coming to Armenia not to introduce their companies, but to familiarize with Armenian production and find cooperation edges.
Touching upon the countries, indenting to join EEU including Azerbaijan, the Ambassador replied, “Azerbaijan didn’t express its intention to join EEU, and countries become a EEU member exclusively upon their own wish. All decisions within EEU are adopted through consensus. Vietnam and India have signed an agreement to join the Free economic zone. India, Egypt, Israel, Mongolia, South Korea, Cambodia and Singapore also have the intention to join it. ”
By Razmik Martirosyan
