Armenia Reaffirms Position on Freezing CSTO Participation

Photo: TASS

Armenia's Foreign Ministry has clarified that Yerevan's position on freezing its participation in the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) remains unchanged, despite the involvement of Armenian Ambassador to Moscow, Gurgen Arsenyan, in a recent meeting between Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and CSTO diplomats.

In response to questions about Armenia’s stance, Ani Badalyan, spokesperson for the Armenian Foreign Ministry, reaffirmed that "the position of the Republic of Armenia on the issue of freezing participation in CSTO activities has not changed," The Caspian Post reports, citing Armenian media. 

Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan had previously acknowledged ongoing disagreements between Yerevan and Moscow over several foreign policy issues. However, he emphasized that Armenia and Russia's strong economic ties continue to serve as a solid foundation for their bilateral relationship. During a parliamentary discussion on Armenia’s 2025 state budget, Mirzoyan stated, "Our attitude towards the structure [CSTO] is known," reflecting the complexities of Armenia's position within the organization.

Mirzoyan further stressed that, despite differences over specific issues, Armenia and Russia maintain a transparent and productive relationship, particularly through the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). Armenia, while seeking to strengthen its relations with the West, remains heavily reliant on Russia for military and economic support. This dependence is evident in the dramatic increase in Armenia's trade turnover with Russia, which rose from $2.6 billion in 2021 to $7.4 billion in 2023, with projections suggesting it could reach $14-16 billion by 2024.

This growing economic cooperation contrasts with Armenia’s political tensions with Russia, especially regarding the CSTO. In September, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan announced that Armenia had frozen its participation in CSTO activities at all levels, a move he considered sufficient at the time. Pashinyan also noted that while no further decisions on the matter were anticipated, the situation could evolve.

Since March, Pashinyan has hinted that Armenia may eventually withdraw from the CSTO, citing instances in which he claimed two CSTO member states supported Azerbaijan during military operations against Armenia in 2023. Additionally, Armenia has repeatedly refused to participate in CSTO exercises, most recently in August 2024, marking the fourth such refusal.