It is important for Armenia to diversify its economy and not depend on unfriendly countries - Kallas
YEREVAN, July 2. /ARКА/. It is important for Armenia to diversify its economy and not depend on unfriendly countries, thinks EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas.
In an interview with the Public Television of Armenia, when asked about the Russian side’s statements that Armenia would face an economic crisis in the event of EU membership, she said that dependence on countries that are not very friendly is difficult.
“I don’t think it is news that Russia continues to make threats. We have seen this in various parts of the world, and I think that in this regard, it should be very clearly formulated what the Armenian people themselves want to do. If we look at a number of examples, it becomes clear that keeping all your eggs in one basket is quite dangerous,” Kallas noted.
In this regard, the head of European diplomacy pointed to the need to diversify the economy.
“We are interested in the issue of developing regional communications and are striving to expand Armenia’s capabilities so that you are not forced to completely depend only on Russia. Of course, if you want to, then the choice is yours, but we have seen how economic dependence can be used against you, you need to establish contacts with friends, because the other side can try to harm you,” Kallas said.
Responding to the remark that the main goal of the European Union is to push Russia out of the region, and Armenia is being used for this purpose, Kallas emphasized that, of course, this is a question that Armenia itself must decide in which direction to move forward.
“Our goal is to have as many friends as possible and as diversified a portfolio as possible, if we are talking about the economy or various relations. I believe that against the backdrop of today's geopolitical changes, it is necessary to have as many friends as possible, not fewer. The choice is up to Armenia, our goal is to ensure prosperity in the region, because today's problems of our neighbors will be our problems tomorrow. If you are faced with difficulties in economic development, then this also affects us, the stability in the region, and diversification of the economy is in your interests,” Kallas noted.
On Russia's position
Official Moscow has repeatedly stated at various levels that Armenia's simultaneous participation in the EU and the EAEU is impossible. In particular, the other day, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexey Overchuk announced that he plans to sign a letter addressed to Armenian Deputy Prime Minister Mher Grigoryan stating that the actions to join the RA to the EU contradict the norms of the Eurasian Economic Union. He noted that Russia is monitoring the processes that are taking place within the framework of Armenia's rapprochement with the EU.
