The Government of the Republic of Armenia

Chaired by ICEC co-chairs, RA Prime Minister Hovik Abrahamyan and RF Minister of Transport Maxim Sokolov, the Russian-Armenian Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation held today its 16th meeting in Yerevan.

Welcoming the meeting on behalf of the Government of the Republic of Armenia and himself, Hovik Abrahamyan stated in part, “I am confident that during this session we will have the opportunity to discuss a wide range of issues of Armenian-Russian strategic cooperation, as well as to identify new practical areas to build on the ties of allied partnership.

I must note with satisfaction that the previous ICEC program of action has been complied with as a whole. Considering the dynamics of interaction within the specified period, I should highlight some important issues such as the economic situation and Armenia’s accession to the Eurasian Economic Union, which has significantly expanded the scope bilateral co-operation, enabling free movement of goods, services, capital and labor.

We believe that the launch of the Eurasian Economic Union will be an incentive for modernization of the economy and enhanced competitiveness of our two countries. We expect that in the near future, there will be a substantial change in the indicators of bilateral trade and investment, employment and real income. We have all the necessary legal and institutional mechanisms to achieve that primary objective. Our countries are cooperating closely in key areas such as energy, transport and communications, processing of ore raw materials and agricultural products. Common research and engineering infrastructure is in place that enables us to actively develop the innovative component in economic cooperation.

I am pleased to point out that this year we managed an important achievements in the field of energy and nuclear safety with the signing of an intergovernmental agreement aimed at streamlining work on the development of financing mechanisms for extension of Armenian NPP’s operations.

I should also note that the expansion of trade and economic cooperation between Armenia and Russia is underpinned by direct contacts between the two countries’ administrative units. In this context, I attach great importance to the Armenian-Russian interregional forums. We intend to intensify efforts in this cooperation format.

I would also like to emphasize the humanitarian sphere, which plays an important role in bilateral relations. It covers both educational and cultural programs. I should note with satisfaction that work is complete on legal paperwork for the opening in Yerevan of a branch of Moscow’s State University after Lomonosov, which will host its first students this year.

Hovik Abrahamyan wished the meeting fruitful work and gave the floor to Maxim Sokolov.

In his speech, the Russian Minister of Transport noted that large-scale work has been completed since the last meeting, and the meeting of the intergovernmental commission is a good opportunity to discuss in a constructive atmosphere issues and priorities for its development.

Maxim Sokolov stressed that the year 2014 was a cornerstone in the Armenian-Russian intergovernmental relations since Armenia joined the Eurasian Economic Union.
“Starting from this point, cooperation between our two countries reached a qualitatively new stage, since Armenian entrepreneurs may have access to a well-protected 170-million-strong marketplace, which guarantees the free movement of goods, services, capital and labor,” Mr Sokolov stated, adding that this will contribute to the growth of investment and the implementation of programs in various spheres of Armenia’s economy.

According to him, continued effort is being made to facilitate freight traffic, liberalize air transportations within the framework of the EAEC. Bilateral cooperation is on the upgrade in the fields of finance, cross-country motorway and railroad transportations. Maxim Sokolov noted that the Russian Federation has consistently provided comprehensive economic assistance to Armenia, including the supply of energy on preferential terms.

"Our cooperation is at a very high level in practically all areas. 11 agreements have been signed recently, including on cooperation in the field of nuclear safety, provision of EAEC accession-related technical and financial assistance to Armenia, supply of gas, rough diamonds, oil, etc. Rosatom State Corporation on Nuclear Energy has started relevant work as part of the agreement on extension of ANPP second unit’s operations,” the Minister of Transport of the Russian Federation said, expressing conviction that the decisions passed at today’s meeting will promote the deepening of mutually beneficial economic cooperation, development of cultural, scientific and educational ties and strengthening of friendly Armenian-Russian relations.

The meeting first took note of the reports delivered by the two sides’ responsible Secretaries on the implementation of the minutes of ICEC’s previous meeting, after which it proceeded to the discussion of the agenda.

In particular, discussed were issues related to the development of bilateral trade and economic relations and interregional cooperation, expansion of legal framework, progress with the 2014-2017 action plan for implementation of the program of long-term economic cooperation between Armenia and the Russian Federation up to the year 2020.

Reference was made to the prospects of cooperation and programs in the areas of energy, transport and communications, industry, agriculture, migration, humanitarian, health, education, science, culture, sports, tourism.

It was decided that the next meeting of the Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation between the Republic of Armenia and the Russian Federation will be held in the Russian Federation. The parties thanked each other for productive and constructive work.

In conclusion, RA Prime Minister Hovik Abrahamyan and RF Transport Minister Maxim Sokolov signed the protocol of the 16th session of the Armenian-Russian Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation.