Rubinyan and Matviyenko Discuss Restrictions on Armenian Goods and EU Relations
Yerevan, August 8 – Ruben Rubinyan, Speaker of the National Assembly of Armenia, and Valentina Matviyenko, Chair of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation, held a telephone conversation yesterday, August 7, 2026. The discussions focused on a range of issues concerning the inter-parliamentary cooperation agenda between Armenia and Russia, emphasizing the importance of continuous parliamentary dialogue and collaboration on matters of mutual interest.
Bilateral Relations and Trade Concerns
The interlocutors also addressed several aspects of the current stage of bilateral relations between Armenia and Russia. Rubinyan highlighted his concerns regarding the unjustified restrictions on the export of Armenian goods to the Russian Federation market. He underscored the importance of resolving this issue within the framework of existing legal and contractual agreements between the two countries and the regulations of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU).
Armenia’s EU Relations and Potential Referendum
Another key topic of discussion was the agenda of relations between the Republic of Armenia and the European Union. Rubinyan clarified that a referendum on Armenia’s accession to the European Union, as anticipated by the Russian Federation, could only practically become possible after Armenia formally applies for membership and the process enters a substantive phase.
Both sides reaffirmed their readiness to continue an open dialogue aimed at further developing inter-parliamentary cooperation and strengthening mutual understanding on bilateral agenda issues.
Other News from Armenia
The conversation between Rubinyan and Matviyenko took place amidst a backdrop of other significant developments in Armenia. Yesterday, the judge in the case against Catholicos Garegin II recused himself, and it was reported that the Catholicos would be tried behind closed doors, a move described as a ‘blatant and gross violation of law.’ Catholicos Garegin II arrived at the Etchmiadzin court yesterday.
Regional Context
In broader regional news, Turkish journalists visited occupied Akna on August 5. There have also been ongoing discussions regarding Armenia’s relations with Russia, with Prime Minister Pashinyan stating on July 30 that relations with Russia are ‘no longer exclusive’ and discussing a new trajectory. Pashinyan also mentioned the possibility of arbitration with Russia over a railway dispute and called for modernization in the fish farming sector, offering 450 million drams in support while demanding an end to the shadow economy.
Concerns were raised on July 27 about the deteriorating condition of an Armenian prisoner in Baku, whose family has no news. Additionally, five Armenian wrestlers are set to compete in the U-17 World Championship in Baku. International news from July 22 reported that Ukraine struck Wildberries warehouses, resulting in casualties. On July 21, it was announced that migrants with criminal records would be banned from residing in Russia. Furthermore, on July 20, General Manukyan appealed to Pashinyan from a Baku prison.
The information-analytical center ‘VERELQ’ investigates and covers important events in the socio-political and economic spheres of Armenia, as well as the role and influence of the Armenian diaspora in various countries around the world. ‘VERELQ’ operates in Yerevan, with a team of professional journalists and experts committed to strengthening Armenian statehood and its rise.
