Pashinyan reports unexpected acquaintance with Aliev at meeting with Putin

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliev met after the opening of the FIFA World Cup in Moscow, although their meeting had not been planned. Armenians of Moscow supported Nikol Pashinyan, but expressed scepticism about the idea of returning to their homeland.

"After a match, the Russian President organized a small event for leaders of the CIS countries. President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliev attended it. The Russian President introduced us to each other. We said hello, but there was no meaningful communication between us," said Nikol Pashinyan as quoted by the "Radio Azatutyun".

After Nikol Pashinyan had become the Prime Minister, attitudes towards Armenians in Russia changed, reported Andranik Mamikonyan, a member of the Armenian community in Moscow.

"Nikol Pashinyan has been holding the post of the Prime Minister for a month only, but he has already twice met Vladimir Putin. This is very important for us. That fact shows the Russia's respect for Armenia and its leader," Andranik Mamikonyan told the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent.

Teacher Astkhik Aleksanyan mentioned the lack of work as the main obstacle for returning to her homeland in Armenia. She has expressed the hope that Nikol Pashinyan will create conditions for returning of compatriots.

Nikol Pashinyan has succeeded in introducing changes to the Armenian-Russian relations, Yervand Chatoyan believes.

"We have become more respected. I already hear more positive news about Armenia and Armenians on Russian TV Channels," he noted.