Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan reiterated that the Armenian government will “not take any abrupt actions” in its relationship with Russia.

Axar.az reports, citing Armenian media, speaking at a campaign event for the ruling Civil Contract party in the village of Shnogh in Lori Province, Pashinyan said he has friendly relations with Russian President Vladimir Putin and that they have held over 200 phone calls since he took office in 2018.

Speaking about ties with Moscow, Pashinyan highlighted close political contacts and frequent high-level communication with Russian leadership. At the same time, he emphasized that although Armenia respects Russia as a major power and values continued dialogue, it cannot place another country’s interests above its own.

“We will not take any abrupt actions in relations with Russia. I have friendly relations with the President of the Russian Federation, in the literal sense of the word. I doubt that since 2018 the President of the Russian Federation has had more contacts with any other leader. During this period, we have had more than 200 phone conversations. We also have very warm, friendly relations with the Russian prime minister. And in general, our attitude towards Russia is very warm. The issue lies elsewhere. Our opposition says: equal-to-equal relations with Russia… dear people, well, let’s not overdo it. Humor is humor, but even humor has its limits… Russia is a superpower, and Russia should be treated with respect and reverence, as superpowers are treated. And I treat it that way—not only Russia, but also the President of Russia and the prime minister of Russia. But I tell them one thing: I say that we have never done anything to harm Russia’s interests, and we will not do so in the future,” Pashinyan said.

He emphasized that the Armenian authorities treat Russia’s interests with the utmost respect.

“But excuse me, we cannot treat Russia’s interests as higher than the interests of the Republic of Armenia. This is a legitimate position, and we are guided by Armenia’s interests, and we will not enter into contradiction, confrontation, or even verbal disputes and debates with our Russian partners. High-level dialogue will continue,” Pashinyan concluded.