Armenia–Russia relations

Armenia–Russia relations

Armenia
Russia
Armenian and Russian flags in Gyumri, Armenia

Armenia–Russia relations (Russian: Российско-армянские отношения, Armenian: Հայ-ռուսական հարաբերություններ) are the bilateral relationships between Armenia and the Russian Federation. Both countries are strategic allies and form an axis in the Caucasus along with Iran. Diplomatic relations between modern-day Armenia and Russia were established on April 3, 1992, but Russia has been an important actor in Armenia since the early 19th century. The two countries' historic relationship has its roots in the Russo-Persian War (1826-1828) between the Russian Empire and Qajar Persia after which Eastern Armenia was ceded to Russia. Moreover, Russia was often considered a protector of the Christian subjects of the Ottoman Empire, including the Armenians.[1]

After the dismantlement of the Soviet Union, Armenia has been considered as the only ally of Russia in all of Transcaucasia. The positions of Russia and Armenia in the majority of key international problems are coincident or close. Armenia shares the approaches of Russia, directed toward strengthening of the CIS. Armenia and Russia are both members of a military alliance called the CSTO along with four other ex-soviet countries, a relationship that Armenia finds essential to its security. Among the contracts and the agreements, which determine intergovernmental relations – a treaty of friendship, collaboration and mutual aid of 29 August 1997 are a number of the documents, which regulate bases of Russian military units and liaisons in the territory of Armenia.

Military

Russian–Armenian interaction in military affairs is directed toward providing the safety of both states, of the southern flank of the collaboration of the independent states, and stability in Transcaucasia. The Armenian armed forces participate in the bearing of standby alert within the framework of the integral system PVO – air defense of the CIS. Collaboration between the Defense Ministries of Russia and Armenia is achieved on a regular basis.

The 102nd Russian military base is stationed in the territory of Armenia. United Russian–Armenian troop groups are formed. The boundary group FSB of Russia in Armenia together with the Armenian frontier-guards bears the protection of the boundaries of the republic with Turkey and Iran. The chief commander of 102nd military base Andrey Ruzinsky said in an interview that "If Azerbaijan decides to restore jurisdiction over Nagorno-Karabakh by force the [Russian] military base may join in the armed conflict in accordance with the Russian Federation’s obligations within the framework of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO)."[2]

New phase of partnership

After having been faced with the choice of becoming a member of the Russia-led Customs Union or signing the Association Agreement with the European Union, Armenia chose the first option. The decision on Armenia's joining the Customs Union was announced by the President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan on 03 September 2013.[3][4]

On 02 December 2013 Vladimir Putin arrived to Armenia on an official visit with an unprecedentedly large delegation. The heads of the two states discussed Armenia's accession to the Customs Union and signed 12 agreements on enhancing cooperation in a number of key spheres such as security, economy, energy and others. Russia also reduced the gas price for Armenia from 270 to 189 dollars per 1,000 cubic meters and enlarged the existing Russian military bases in Armenia.[5][6]

Armenia will be a full member of the Eurasian Economic Union from January 2, 2015, during which cooperation and integration with Russia will reach a new level.

See also

References

  1. ↑ LUIGI VILLARI. Fire and Sword in the Caucasus. p. 65. the khanates of Erivan and Nakhitchevan were conquered in 1828— 29 after a last war with Persia ;
  2. ↑ "Russian Officer: We Would Intervene In Karabakh Against Azerbaijan". Eurasianet. November 1, 2013.
  3. ↑ Armenia To Join Russian-Led Customs Union, September 03, 2013
  4. ↑ EU-Armenia: About decision to join the Customs Union
  5. ↑ Россия и Армения подписали 12 документов в ходе визита Владимира Путина в Ереван
  6. ↑ АРМЕНИЯ ПОЛУЧИЛА СКИДКУ НА ГАЗ ЕЩЕ НЕ ПОДПИСАВ ДАЖЕ "ДОРОЖНУЮ КАРТУ" ПО ВСТУПЛЕНИЮ В ТАМОЖЕННЫЙ СОЮЗ

External links

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