Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan on his birthday, emphasizing Moscow's commitment to strengthening cooperation between the two countries.

"Dear Nikol Vovayevich, please accept my sincere congratulations on your birthday. Relations between our countries and peoples have traditionally been friendly. And we are interested in their further progressive development," reads the telegram published on the Kremlin website.

Furthermore, according to the Kremlin press service, Putin held a telephone conversation with Pashinyan today, during which he once again offered his congratulations.

"The results of the meeting of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council held in Astana on May 29 were discussed," the Kremlin website reported.

Pashinyan's press service, in turn, noted that during the conversation, the Armenian leader thanked his interlocutor for his "balanced position on a number of issues that cause disagreement," as well as for his friendly tone and support. The politicians reportedly exchanged views on current issues on the bilateral and multilateral agendas and agreed to continue discussions in person at a convenient opportunity.

That same day, Pashinyan made a separate video address on foreign policy issues, in which he expressed confidence that Yerevan would be able to build new relations with Moscow, as they are based on openness and sincerity.

On May 29, in a statement on the Armenian issue, Putin again drew a parallel with events in Ukraine, citing its course toward integration with the EU as the reason for the outbreak of hostilities. At the same time, countries of the Eurasian Economic Union—Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan—stated the risks they believed Armenia's EU membership posed for the union and insisted on holding a national referendum.

The day before, Moscow had already imposed temporary trade barriers on Armenian exports, affecting such product categories as strawberries, flowers, alcoholic beverages, and mineral water. Today, in a video address, Nikol Pashinyan stated that Armenia is developing and prioritizing its relations with Russia. "We are establishing new relations with Russia, and I am confident that we will succeed, in part because our relations with Russia are open and sincere, and we do not hide any dark corners," he said.

Pashinyan added that until Armenia officially applies for EU membership or moves closer to candidate status, holding any referendum is unjustified.