MOSCOW — Russia is prepared to engage in constructive dialogue with Armenia on phytosanitary control issues, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk said.

“The issue is not whether Armenia will ‘come to its senses’ or not. The point is that phytosanitary control requirements must be observed. Naturally, we are prepared for such constructive dialogue. Unfortunately, however, we see that certain problems remain with the Armenian side, and accordingly, that dialogue will continue,” Overchuk said.

He recalled that Russian Agriculture Minister Oksana Lut recently raised concerns related to vegetables and fruits exported from Armenia during a meeting with Armenia’s economy minister.

“The issue is not that they are of poor quality, but that pests and diseases have been detected in them,” the Russian deputy prime minister said.

In recent months, Russia has gradually introduced restrictions on various products exported from Armenia.

Several days ago, Russia requested that Armenia provide the results of sanitary inspections and present a clear plan for ensuring compliance with the Eurasian Economic Union’s veterinary and phytosanitary requirements.