A meeting of the Eurasian Intergovernmental Council was held in Minsk, where a significant part of the discussions centred on the absence of Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. Pashinyan decided to take part in the meeting via video link, but his absence from the meeting with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko gave the latter cause for sharp criticism.
Lukashenko, known for his outspoken remarks, seized the opportunity to ask the Armenian leader questions that had long been on his agenda. He focused primarily on Armenia’s possible accession to the European Union. “Where will your cognac and vegetables end up if you decide to leave the Eurasian Economic Union?” Lukashenko asked sarcastically. This statement was picked up by the state news agency BelTA.
The situation surrounding Armenia has indeed been heating up recently. For example, in May, Russia imposed a ban on imports of Armenian cognac, fruit and vegetables, which dealt a significant blow to the country’s economy. These events are unfolding against a backdrop of rumours about Armenia’s plans to move closer to Europe, which is causing further tensions in relations with its traditional partners in the EAEU.
It is worth recalling that back in May, Nikol Pashinyan did not attend the EAEU summit in Kazakhstan. There, participants discussed the possible consequences of Armenia’s withdrawal from the organisation. Lukashenko has once again spoken out on this issue, warning that Armenia’s course towards closer ties with the EU could lead to another conflict in the region.
These developments raise questions about Armenia’s future and its strategic choice between Eastern and Western partners. The questions remain unanswered, and the dynamics of international relations are only gathering pace.