Russian presidential press secretary Dmitry Peskov, commenting on Armenian PM Nikol Pashinyan’s statement today that he will not be able to participate in the November 23 CSTO summit in Minsk, noted that if this is the case, then one can only express regret, because such meetings are a good opportunity to clarify relations.

"If this is really the case, then we can express regret, we understand that every head of government or head of state can have his own events and circumstances in his work schedule. But one can only express regret, because such meetings are a very good opportunity for exchanging opinions and clarifying relations," Peskov said according to RIA Novosti.

Peskov emphasized that the CSTO "continues to maintain its relevance".

Pashinyan’s office released a statement that he told Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko by telephone that “he will not be able to participate in the session and expressed hope that the CSTO partners will understand that decision.”