Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan participated in the session of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council in St. Petersburg. The Heads of EAEU member states were welcomed by the President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin. The session was held first in a narrow format, then in an expanded format.
Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan made a speech, in which he, in particular, noted:
“Dear heads of the member states of the Eurasian Economic Union,
Dear guests,
I am pleased to welcome you to the session of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council.
Taking this opportunity, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin for his hospitality and the excellent organization of today’s session.
Let me also wish the Republic of Kazakhstan successful and productive work during its upcoming presidency.
Dear participants of the session,
This year we are summarizing the implementation of the strategic directions for the development of Eurasian economic integration until 2025, within the framework of which significant practical experience of cooperation has been accumulated.
In this context, we are currently developing guidelines for the further development of Eurasian economic integration, based on the achieved results. And at this stage, it is important to ensure a clear separation between the areas of application of supranational mechanisms and those areas where national jurisdictions and sovereign decisions retain priority, which will ensure the stability of integration processes.
This year was especially significant in terms of the international cooperation of the EAEU. Interaction with key partners - Iran, the United Arab Emirates, Mongolia, China and India - is expanding, while new markets are opening up, which contributes to the diversification of exports and imports and strengthens the positions of the EAEU in the global economy.
In this context, of course, we welcome the signing of a free trade agreement with the Republic of Indonesia.
The Republic of Armenia also attaches importance to the development of a constructive dialogue with observer states that have shown a sustained interest for cooperation with the EAEU.
Ensuring the smooth functioning of the internal market is one of the primary goals of integration. This implies the consistent elimination of barriers, the digitalization and simplification of regulatory procedures, as well as the creation of equal competitive conditions for all participants in the economic process.
I am convinced that the Commission, together with the governments of the Member States, should continue to resolve sensitive issues by developing mutually acceptable arrangements.
Let me highlight the prospects for developing cooperation in the field of transport and logistics, based on the principles of reciprocity, equality, sovereignty and national jurisdiction.
In this context, I would like to note that the positive and constructive changes taking place are creating new opportunities for all countries in the wider region, contributing to strengthening economic stability and expanding regional communications.
In this regard, I express my appreciation to the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan for his decision to lift the blockade on the transit of goods through the territory of Azerbaijan to Armenia, as well as for creating conditions for the start of bilateral trade.
This is one of the first significant achievements in establishing peace and stability in the region.
Colleagues,
In recent years, the importance of service sector in our economies has been steadily growing. This sector forms a significant part of GDP and employment.
The functioning of the Single Market for Services improves the quality and competitiveness of suppliers, simplifies procedures and creates a more favorable environment for business.
We believe that the development of this direction should be more dynamic, since it directly affects the economic growth of the EAEU member states.
An equally significant direction is digitalization. Sustainable development today is impossible without the introduction of digital technologies, which form a solid foundation, including for e-commerce.
This year, a consensus has been achieved on key issues of regulating e-commerce. Agreed decisions create the basis for a unified, but at the same time flexible approach, and a number of mechanisms are already being introduced, creating predictable conditions for market participants.
In this context, one of the key practical directions of integration this year was increasing the transparency and traceability of the movement of goods.
The development of stamping systems, together with the necessary digital integration of the fiscal and budgetary systems of the member states, contributes to increasing the efficiency of tax administration and reducing shadow turnover.
These measures are aimed at ensuring fair competition and protecting the EAEU internal market, while reducing the administrative burden on business.
The tourism sector has a significant multiplier effect and contribution to the economies of the EAEU countries, and the Tourism Development Concept adopted today will provide a new impetus to increasing mutual tourist flows.
Dear colleagues,
In conclusion, let me once again reaffirm the commitment of the Republic of Armenia to mutually beneficial cooperation within the EAEU framework, for the benefit of economic stability and sustainable development of our region.
Taking this opportunity, I congratulate you all on the upcoming New Year and wish you success in 2026, and peace, well-being and prosperity to our peoples.
Thank you for your attention''.
During the session, issues related to the further development of cooperation within the EAEU framework were discussed. In particular, the formation of a common market for oil and oil products within the EAEU framework, the EAEU budget for the coming year, and issues related to cooperation with third countries were discussed. The Tourism Development Concept was approved.
