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Armenian-Russian relations are traditionally important in terms of security, both for Russia and Armenia, Nikolai Silayev, senior researcher at the Center for Caucasian Studies at Moscow State Institute of International Relations, director of the Caucasus Cooperation NGO, told reporters on Tuesday.

The Russian military base in Armenia’s Gyumri is of much significance to Moscow, said the expert, adding that Armenia and Russia should also develop humanitarian cooperation.

Speaking about the future of Armenian-Russian relations, Mr Silayev said that the relations between the two countries should be comprehensive.

“Integration processes in the post-Soviet space will be implemented for decades, while the current economic situation in Russia is a result of the sanctions and domestic economic problems.

“In his address to the State Duma, Putin said that Moscow must carry out more active and dynamic foreign policy,” said the expert.

Armenia has joined the Eurasian Economic Union (EEU) and it is normal that political debates take place in the country, Silayev said.

He noted that the EEU is smaller than the EU and those countries which are currently joining the EEU are in better negotiating position than the countries which have signed the Association Agreement with the European Union.