Serzh Sargsyan: CU enables to import energy carriers at competitive prices

The centuries-old friendship is the basis of warm Armenian-Russian relations, Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan stated at a joint press conference with French President Francois Hollande, when asked by a French reporter why Armenia decided to join the Customs Union.

“We lived in the same state for a long time and were linked by an economy and culture, which formed the basis of our relations. I think no one considered Armenia’s decision to join the Customs Union as strange. We have a bilateral friendship agreement with Russia. Besides, the Customs Union offers some advantages to member states, for example, it allows Armenia to import energy carriers at competitive prices,” Serzh Sargsyan said, adding that it does not mean that Armenia breaks off relations with the European Union.

"We will continue deepening our relations with the European Union,” the Armenian president said.

For his part, Francois Hollande indicated Armenia’s peculiar geopolitical conditions.

“For this reason Armenia decided to continue its relations with Russia. I have come here not to blame anyone, but to try to understand motives for that decision. I want very much Armenia to continue deepening its relations with the European Union, but, of course, I do not want to oblige Armenia to sever its ties with Russia,” the French president said.