Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak and Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Armenia to Russia Oleg Yesayan signed a protocol providing for indefinite exemption from export duties on petroleum products and natural gas, supplied from Russia to Armenia, RIA Novosti reports.

On December 2, 2013 Russia and Armenia signed an intergovernmental agreement on the abolition of export duties on deliveries of natural gas, petroleum products and rough diamonds to Armenia. The agreement was signed following talks between Presidents Vladimir Putin and Serzh Sargsyan.

Earlier, the Armenian government approved a set of amendments to the agreement. Energy and Natural Resources Minister Yervand Zakharyan reminded that the agreement concerns supply of Russian natural gas, petroleum products and raw diamonds to Armenia.

Zakharyan said the changes will specify the procedures for calculation and payment of customs duties for delivery of oil products and gas. He added also that the amended agreement would create favorable conditions for the development of economic ties between the two countries.