Russian President Vladimir Putin sent a congratulatory message to Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan on the occasion of the republic's Independence Day. The text of the message was published on the Armenian government's website, though it has not yet appeared on the Kremlin's site.
"Dear Nikol Vovayevich, please accept my congratulations on the occasion of the national holiday of the Republic of Armenia—Independence Day. I wish you health and success, and the friendly Armenian people well-being and prosperity," the telegram reads.
Mikhail Mishustin also congratulated Pashinyan. The Russian Prime Minister specifically highlighted the prospects for cooperation between the two countries in trade, the economy, science, technology, and the humanitarian sphere. According to him, such interaction, based on mutual respect, serves the long-term interests of both Moscow and Yerevan.
In his address, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko emphasized the historical and human ties between the two countries, describing them as the foundation for an "open and constructive partnership."
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also sent his congratulations. He noted Armenia's progress "toward a more peaceful, prosperous, and democratic future" and expressed Washington's interest in developing economic ties, increasing American investment, and implementing the TRIPP project—the "Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity."
Representatives from China, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Thailand, and Bangladesh also extended their congratulations to Pashinyan.
Armenia's Independence Day is celebrated on September 21. In 1991, a referendum on leaving the USSR saw 99.51% of voters support the decision. This year marks the 35th anniversary of the republic's declaration of independence.
These congratulatory messages come amidst ongoing discussions regarding the future of relations between Yerevan and Moscow. Last week, Pashinyan stated that relations could no longer remain as they were, given that Armenia is no longer in a state of conflict. At the same time, the Prime Minister emphasized that his country has no intention of severing ties with Russia.
"For relations to remain unchanged, Armenia would need to be involved in a conflict again. As long as Armenia exists in an atmosphere of peace, Armenian-Russian relations cannot be the same as before," he said.
Following a meeting with Putin in September, Pashinyan also announced an agreement to conduct an "inventory" of bilateral relations. At that time, the Russian president expressed Moscow's interest in further developing ties with Yerevan and urged the Armenian leadership to choose between a course toward the EU and maintaining membership in the EAEU.
