MOSCOW, November 14. /TASS/. The Kremlin is disappointed that Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan decided not to take part in the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) summit slated for November 23, Russian Presidential Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters.

"If this is true, then it’s disappointing. We understand that all heads of government and state have their own work schedule and their own circumstances. However, one can only express regret, because such meetings offer a good opportunity to exchange views and compare positions," the Kremlin spokesman noted.

He added, however, that the CSTO remained a relevant platform. "The meetings that take place within the CSTO are further proof of that," Peskov stressed.

Pashinyan earlier said in a phone call with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko that he would not attend the CSTO Council meeting in Minsk. He expressed hope that his partners in the organization would be able to understand his decision.

Pashinyan and Armenian Foreign Ministry officials have repeatedly stated that Yerevan is not considering possibly withdrawing from the CSTO. Still, Armenian officials have not attended a CSTO event in several months. Armenia has also recalled its ambassador to the CSTO and has not appointed a new head of its diplomatic mission.