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Russia has expressed readiness to facilitate Azerbaijan’s entry into the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) shortly after the bloc called on Armenia to choose between EAEU membership and joining the EU. These statements were made against the backdrop of Moscow’s ongoing pressure on Yerevan through trade restrictions ahead of parliamentary elections in Armenia.
On the sidelines of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum on 4 June, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Galuzin stated that Russian businesses could be involved in reconstruction projects in Nagorno-Karabakh and other regions that came under Azerbaijani control after the 2020 Second Karabakh War.
Galuzin also commented on the intergovernmental declaration between Russia and Azerbaijan adopted in February 2022, stating that Moscow is now “focused on fully utilizing the rich potential of this document.”
He also mentioned an economic cooperation meeting with Azerbaijan held in mid-April, where a protocol and a “road map” for the implementation of investment projects in and around Nagorno-Karabakh were signed.
Separately, Galuzin noted Russia’s readiness to admit Azerbaijan to the EAEU, pointing out that “a list of measures to increase trade turnover and develop investment and industrial cooperation between our countries has been prepared, and opportunities for Russian business have been identified.”
He emphasized that Russia is “ready to assist in every possible way in bringing Azerbaijan closer to this integration association.”
“Moreover, we believe that this will have a positive impact on Azerbaijan’s economy, as the country will gain access to the benefits of a common goods market and will be able to expand cooperation in the fields of transport, services, and investment,” he said.
These statements came against the backdrop of Russia introducing a series of restrictions on Armenian imports ahead of the country’s parliamentary elections, scheduled for 7 June. The EAEU, of which Armenia is also a member, recently called on Yerevan to hold a referendum on whether the country wants to withdraw from the union or join the EU.
On Thursday, Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that “Armenia’s foreign policy is oriented towards Western standards.”
“You know, there is nothing supernatural about this [Yerevan’s course]. The political forces behind [Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan] have been talking about this for a long time and are not shy about it, they do it openly,” Russian state news agency TASS quoted Putin as saying.
Putin also stated that relations between Russia and Azerbaijan are “very good, friendly — both in the economic and political spheres.” He added that he knows Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev is “making significant efforts” to implement the 2022 declaration.
“I believe that total Russian investment in the Azerbaijani economy exceeds $10 billion. A large number of enterprises operate with Russian capital. We have close cooperation in the humanitarian sphere,” Putin said, adding: “Many Azerbaijani citizens work in the Russian Federation. They transfer money to support their families. And we try to organize this properly, in a civilized manner.”