Western countries will not purchase the types of goods from Armenia that are currently in high demand in Russia, stated Ara Abrahamyan, President of the Union of Armenians of Russia, as reported by RIA Novosti.
“Where should we go? The European Union? What can we sell there? You know, their standards are different. Even if they need our apricots, their standards and certifications are different. We need a lot of time to adjust everything—it's not that simple… Packaging, transport, storage—there are many issues. But here [in Russia], we just bring the goods, sell them at the market, people eat them, and everyone is happy,” he said.
Abrahamyan also emphasized that Armenians who support Russia are not opposed to cooperating with the West.
“I’ve always said—listen, who is against working with the West? Come on, I also want to work with Americans, with Europeans. But will they take us in? Will they solve our problems? Will they ensure our security? Will they address our grain needs, which we fully import from Russia at near-domestic prices? We buy gas—will they supply it? If so, no problem,” he stressed.
In his view, Armenian citizens do not need visa-free access to the EU.
“Almost all Armenians already have American green cards,” he joked.
*In April, Armenian President Vahagn Khachaturyan signed a law previously adopted by parliament declaring Armenia’s aspiration to join the European Union, despite the EU not issuing an official invitation. The law does not constitute a formal application but signals a desire to deepen ties with the EU.
In January, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexey Overchuk stated that Armenia’s consideration of the law was viewed in Moscow as a sign of a potential withdrawal from the Eurasian Economic Union and that Russia would adjust its economic policies toward Armenia accordingly.*
