State visit of President Serzh Sargsyan to the Russian Federation

On 23 October, at the invitation of the President of the Russian Federation Dmitry Medvedev, President Serzh Sargsyan arrived to Moscow on a state visit.

The President of Armenia visited the newly constructed Armenian Apostolic Church compound in Moscow, participated at the ceremony of consecration of the doom cross of the Cathedral and the ceremony of blessing. The construction works of the Cathedral have been concluded and now finishing works of the interior of the Cathedral and adjacent structures are underway.

The Armenian Church compound built in the center of Moscow occupies territory of 1,32 hectares. The construction works based on a new design commenced in 2006. The compound comprises the Cathedral, a small Saint Cross church, the building of the Dioscese administration, reception and conference halls, and a museum. The structure is built in the traditions of the Armenian national architecture. The Cathedral is built of the rose-colored tuff, while the other structures – in light apricot color tuff. The tuff has been delivered from the town of Ani. The gem of the compound – Cathedral of rose-colored tuff – is girded with crosses, statues and Mesporian letters.

On the first day of the state visit, President Serzh Sargsyan visited also the Aesthete Jewelry House. During the conversation with the founder and director of the Aesthete Jewelry House Gagik Gevorkian, who is also the Chairman of the Association of the Armenian Jewelers, Serzh Sargsyan was informed on the works and future programs of the House which was founded back in 1991 and in the last two decades has achieve a considerable success.

President Serzh Sargsyan, who is the Russian Federation on a state visit, on 23 October met in Moscow with the benefactors who have assisted in the construction of the new compound of the Armenian Apostolic Church.

Noting, that the Armenian-Russian strategic partnership, which is in the interests of our two countries and is built on a solid historical base, has been developing dynamically. The President of Armenia underlined that the partnership is aimed into future and is equally beneficial for the peoples of Armenia and Russia. “Among the most important players in the multifaceted structure of the Armenian-Russian relations, it is impossible of overlook the input which has been made and continues to be made by the Armenian-Russian community. It is no accident that Russia is our leading trade partner while Russian businessmen are the main investors in our economy. The Armenian-Russian entrepreneurs are a key factor behind these numbers and achievements.

Dear Compatriots,

Today, your community is the largest Armenian entity residing outside our Motherland – Armenia. The newly constructed Armenian Saint Cross Cathedral brings its blessings not only to the Armenians of Russia but also to the capital of the country which has become a dear home for the largest Armenian community,” President Serzh Sargsyan said in his remarks addressed to the participants of the meeting.

On behalf of the Armenian people and his own behalf, Serzh Sargsyan expressed his deep gratitude to the Armenian community of Russia, noting that because of its human potential, collective power and boundless energy the community is important and indispensable for Armenia.



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President Serzh Sargsyan, who is conducting a state visit to the Russian Federation, visited on 24 October the M. Lovonosov Moscow State University, where he met with the students and faculty of the University.

President Sargsyan delivered a speech and answered the questions raised by the attendees.

(Speech of President Serzh Sargsyan at the Moscow State University is presented in the Statements portal of the website)

By the decision of the Scientific Council of the Moscow State University, President Serzh Sargsyan was awarded the title of the Honorary Professor of the University. During the event, the Rector of the MSU Victor Sadovnichii handed to Serzh Sargsyan the diploma of a Honorary Professor and the medal.

After the event, the President of Armenia visited the Memorial of the Unknown Soldier and paid tribute by laying a wreath at the monument.

Later, the Presidents of the Republic of Armenia and the Russian Federation had a private meeting at the Grand Kremlin Palace, which was followed by the extended negotiations with the participation of the official delegations.

During the break, Presidents Serzh Sargsyan and Dmitry Medvedev had a phone conversation with the President of Turkey Abdullah Gul. The two Presidents conveyed sincere condolences and words support to the President of Turkey on the occasion of a devastating earthquake which took place on the territory of Turkey. Serzh Sargsyan reiterated readiness to provide necessary assistance. President Gul expressed gratitude to President Sargsyan for the manifested solidarity.



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President Serzh Sargsyan and President Dmitry Medvedev on 24 October at the Grand Kremlin Palace after a private meeting and negotiations in the extended format gave a joint press conference. Before that, a document signing ceremony took place which was aimed at the development and strengthening of the Armenian-Russian cooperation in a number of areas. The parties signed, in particular, documents on:

“Memorandum on Cooperation in the Fight Against Contagious Diseases between the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Armenia and the RF Service on the Protection of the Consumer Rights and Personal Well-being”;

“Agreement on Cooperation on the Issues Related to the Youth between the RA Ministry of Sport and Youth Issues and the RF Ministry of Sport, Tourism and Youth Policy”;

“Protocol on the Amendments to the 1996, December 28 Agreement on the Abolition of Double Taxation of Income and Property and attached Protocol of 1996, December 28 between the Government of the Republic of Armenia and Government of the Russian Federation”;

“Program of Consultations for 2012-2013 between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Armenia and Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation”;

“Memorandum on Cooperation between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Armenia and Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation”;

“Agreement on Cooperation in the Humanitarian Area between the Government of the Republic of Armenia and Government of the Russian Federation”;

“Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Armenia and Government of the Russian Federation on the Reciprocal Donation of Real Estate in the Russian Federation and the Republic of Armenia”.

(The full text of the Statement by the President of Armenia during the joint press conference on the results of the negotiations held in the framework of his state visit to the Russian Federation is presented in the Press Conferences portal of the website )



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On 24 October, the President of the Russian Federation Dmitry Medvedev and Mrs. Svetlana Medvedeva gave a state dinner in honor of the President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan and Mrs. Rita Sargsyan, who are in the Russian Federation on a state visit.

President Sargsyan once again expressed thanks for a warm welcome and cordial reception and noted with satisfaction that the visit has become yet another important and momentous demonstration of the sincere interest in further development of the Armenian-Russian relations which have strong historical roots. “I express sincere gratitude to the leadership of the Russian Federation for the practical and constructive atmosphere during the negotiations, for appreciation and genuine words addressed to Armenia and our people,” President Serzh Sargsyan said, underscoring that throughout the centuries-long relations between Armenia and Russia, despite all difficulties, deprivations and hardships, relations between the Armenian and Russian people have always been brotherly, an example of genuine respect and mutual assistance.

The President of Armenia noted that historical memory of the two peoples holds many glorious traditions of political, military and humanitarian cooperation. “We not only have to uphold that precious legacy but also together look for other opportunities to further develop our cooperation. I view it as a base of the interstate relations between Armenia and Russia – relations of true allies and constructive cooperation which is aimed at our countries’ prosperity and well-being of our peoples in a stable and secure environment,” President Sargsyan said.

Underscoring, that he believes in great potential and good perspectives of bilateral cooperation, Serzh Sargsyan expressed hope that this visit would facilitate common determination to promote efficient work and would open new prospects of cooperation. “I am confident that through the joint efforts we will be able to do everything necessary to implement the preset programs,” the President of Armenia said.

At the dinner, President Serzh Sargsyan handed to the President of the Russian Federation Dmitry Medvedev the highest state award of Armenia – the Order of Glory, which was awarded to President Medvedev by the Presidential decree for the strengthening of the traditionally friendly relations between the peoples of Armenia and Russia, deepening and expansion of the strategic relations between the Republic of Armenia and the Russian Federation, as well as for his significant personal contribution to the maintenance of international peace and security.




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On 24 October, President Serzh Sargsyan, who is in the Russian Federation on a state visit, visited the Embassy of Armenia in Russia where an award ceremony took place. A group of people, who have made considerable contribution to the development and strengthening of relations between Armenia and Russia were bestowed high RA state awards. The President congratulated and expressed gratitude to all awardees, noting that they all have had a significant contribution to the strengthening of the Armenian-Russian relations. Serzh Sargsyan stressed the importance of passing on the centuries-long friendship and close relations between the two countries and two peoples from generation to generation and work toward upholding it perpetually.

For a significant contribution to the strengthening and development of cooperation between Armenia and the Russian Federation in the economic area, the Chairman of the OJSC Russian Railways Vladimir Yakunin was awarded by the Presidential decree with the Order of Honor.

For the activities aimed at the elimination of the consequences of a devastating earthquake which took place in Armenia in 1988, humanitarian assistance provided to the victims and considerable input in the organization of the relief works, Yuri Semyonov (RF) was awarded the Anania Shirakatsi medal.

For the cooperation aimed at the development of civil aviation in the Republic of Armenia, the Chairperson of the Interstate Aviation Committee Tatyana Anodina was awarded the Anania Shirakatsi medal.

On the occasion of the 20th anniversary of independence of the Republic of Armenia, a considerable input to the preservation of the Armenian identity, services provided to Motherland as well as significant work aimed at the strengthening of relations between the Republic of Armenia and foreign states Fridrich Soghoyan (RF), Ruben Dishdishian (RF) were awarded Movses Khorenatsi medals.

For a considerable contribution to the cultural development and for the highly artistic production of a new choreographic interpretation of Aram Khatchaturian’s Spartak ballet at the A. Spendiarian National Academic Opera and Ballet Theater, choreographer Yuri Grigorovich was awarded the Order of Honor.

For the development of the educational and cultural relations between the Republic of Armenia and the Russian Federation, as well as for a significant contribution to the institutional development of the humanitarian cooperation in the framework of the CIS, the Assistant to the President of the Russian Federation, Co-Chair of the CIS Council on Humanitarian Cooperation Jahan Polieva was awarded the Mkhitar Gosh medal.



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President Serzh Sargsyan, who is conducting a state visit to the Russian Federation, on 25 October met with the Speaker of the Federal Council Valentina Matvienko and Speaker of the RF State Duma Boris Gryzlov.

At the beginning of the meeting, Serzh Sargsyan first congratulated Valentina Matvienko on her election as Speaker of the RF Federal Council, wished her success on that high position.

At the meetings with the Speakers of the two Houses of the Russian parliament, the parties noted that the state visit of President Serzh Sargsyan to the Russian Federation was very efficient: the parties signed a number of documents pertinent to the development and expansion of the Armenian-Russian cooperation in different areas. According to the interlocutors, this opens new prospects for the further strengthening of the bilateral relations. It was noted that high level political, economic, military and humanitarian relations and cooperation of the two countries are consistent with the spirit of the centuries-long friendship of the Armenian and Russian peoples.

President Serzh Sargsyan stressed the importance of cooperation between the National Assembly of Armenia and two Chambers of the RF Parliament. The President of Armenia expressed gratitude to the interparliamentary commission and its co-chairs, including Nicolay Ryzhkov, who was present at the meeting, for the efficient work and significant contribution to the strengthening of the friendly Armenian-Russian relations.

At the meeting, in the context of active interrelations between the parliaments of the two states, the parties stressed also the importance of cooperation in the international organizations, particularly, in the framework of interparliamentary assemblies.

The parties spoke with satisfaction about the development of the interregional cooperation, highlighting the importance of the growing cooperation between the marzes of Armenian and the administrative regions of the Russian Federation. Participants of the meetings also noted that that potential should be fully utilized for the strengthening of the bilateral relations.

They underscored also the role of the Armenian community of Russia in strengthening relations between the two countries.

In the framework of his state visit, President Serzh Sargsyan will also meet with the Chairman of the RF Government Vladimir Putin and Mayor of Moscow Sergei Sobyanin.



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President Serzh Sargsyan continues his state visit to the Russian Federation. On 25 October, after meeting with the Speakers of the Russian Federal Council and State Duma, President Serzh Sargsyan visited the Moscow City Hall.

At the meeting with Mayor Sergei Sobyanin, the President noted that he was glad that relations between Yerevan and Moscow have been strengthening by year and cooperation in different areas continues to deepen.

Sergei Sobyanin informed that the City Hall has been working on a new program of cooperation with Yerevan for next years and expressed hope that it would encompass all areas of mutual interest.

President Serzh Sargsyan and the Mayor of Moscow stressed the importance of the Armenian community of Moscow in strengthening not only relations between the two capitals but also the Armenian-Russian relations in general. Mayor Sobyanin said that Moscow is home to a large number of Armenians and among them there are individuals who have achieved considerable success in the trade, economic and other areas.




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In the evening of October 25, President Serzh Sargsyan met with the Chairman of the Government of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin.

Noting, that a meeting with the Chairman of the RF Government in the framework of his state visit provides a good opportunity to discuss prospects of the Armenian-Russian relations, President Serzh Sargsyan noted with satisfaction that the bilateral relations are on a very good level. He also said that the existing atmosphere and the dialogue between the two governments allow to discuss any issue.

“We believe that our economic relations are developing properly. As You have already mentioned, last year our turnover reached one billion USD,” President Sargsyan said. According to the President of Armenia, it’s a serious number for our country. Serzh Sargsyan also noted that Russian investments make 57 percent of all foreign investments and there are almost 1500 joint ventures and enterprises with Russian capital, which means that there is a certain growth. He also spoke about the Armenian-Russian cooperation in the humanitarian area, which is also developing well enough. President Sargsyan said that during his visit to the Russian Federation, the parties have reached agreement regarding new quotas. “We would like, of course, to discuss possibilities of new programs, which will further strengthen our relations,” President Sargsyan said.

Welcoming President Sargsyan, the Chairman of the RF Government noted that he was extremely pleased to meet with the Armenian President in the framework of his state visit to the Russian Federation and spoke about economic, including trade relations of the two states.

Vladimir Putin also praised the Armenian-Russian relations in different areas, noting that quite recently he has had the opportunity to meet with the Prime Minister of Armenia and discussed in detail additional steps aimed at the enhancement of bilateral relations. The Chairman of the RF Government underlined with satisfaction that over all things are progressing in the operative mode.