European leaders are convening in Armenia, a nation long considered Russia's closest ally in the South Caucasus, reports Todayinfo.
European leaders have gathered in Armenia for two significant summits. This country has long been regarded as Russia's closest ally in the South Caucasus. Armenia is a member of the Eurasian Economic Union, established by Russian President Vladimir Putin, and hosts a Russian military base on its territory.
On Monday, over 30 European leaders and the Prime Minister of Canada will participate in the European Political Community (EPC) summit in Yerevan. On Tuesday, the first-ever bilateral EU-Armenia summit will take place, attended by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa.
Armenia is significantly dependent on Russia for energy resources, purchasing Russian gas at preferential rates. Russian President Vladimir Putin specifically highlighted this issue during Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan's visit to Moscow on April 1.
He noted that Russia sells gas to Armenia at $177.5 per 1,000 cubic meters, whereas in Europe the price is $600. "The difference is large, it is significant," the Russian president said.
