Russia is Armenia's largest trade partner, so it is Armenia's national interest to protect mutual trade, Economy Minister Vahan Kerobyan said.

He said proceeding from this fact, Armenian government officials explain to foreign partners that Armenia simply has no other option, but to trade with Russia.

'There are fears (of being hit by Western sanctions), which is why we work so as not to provoke them," he said in an interview with Russian business daily Kommersant, in response to a question about whether Armenian companies and banks have fears that secondary sanctions could be extended to them for interacting with Russian counterparties.

According to the minister, there are many companies that supply products that are not under sanctions.

"Our legislation and tax environment fully allow such transactions. We are very careful to make sure that all deals are real. If a company has economic interest in Armenia, it can open accounts, import and export goods. I don't see any problem with Armenia clearing the goods imported to the EEU, but it is important that these goods are not under sanctions," he said, ARKA reports.