Official visit of the President Serzh Sargsyan to Russian Federation

By the invitation of the President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin, President Serzh Sargsyan arrived on official visit to Russia. At the Vnukovo International Airport of Moscow there took place the official welcoming ceremony for the President of Armenia.

In the framework of the visit, the President of Armenia will be hosted at the Moscow State Institute of International Relations where he will meet with the faculty and students. President Sargsyan will also make a statement and will answer the questions raised by the participants of the meeting.  

 

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President Serzh Sargsyan, who is in the Russian Federation on official visit, was hosted at the Moscow State Institute of Foreign Relations.

Together with Rector Anatoly Torkunov, at the reception hall of the Institute, the President of Armenia observed the exhibition of precious publications from the Lazarian heritage. The publications are kept at the library of the Institute and today are put on display on the occasion of the visit of the President of Armenia. At the Moscow State Institute of Foreign Relations President Sargsyan met with Rector Torkunov. Later there took place the meeting of Serzh Sargsyan with the faculty and students of the Institute.

Rector Torkunov welcomed President Sargsyan to one of the most prestigious educational establishments of Russia – the Moscow State Institute of Foreign Relations and briefly presented Serzh Sargsyan to the audience. Later, he announced the decision of the Scientific Council of the Institution to award the President of Armenia with the title of the Honorary Doctor of the MGIMO. Rector Torkunov handed to Serzh Sargsyan the certificate and congratulated on the occasion. After the award ceremony, President Sargsyan made a statement and responded to the questions from the audience which were related to the achievements registered in the trade and economic area in almost three years which passed since Armenia’s accession to the EAEU, prospects of Armenia’s cooperation with the EU, possible impact on Armenia’s foreign policy of the decision to switch to the parliamentary system of governance, combat readiness of the Armenian Armed Forces, efforts aimed at the resolution of the NK conflict, and other topics.
A students asked the President of Armenia, President of Armenia’s Chess Federation Serzh Sargsyan where in his opinion world chess is headed.

At the conclusion of the meeting, President Sargsyan expressed gratitude for the warm welcome and wished the Institute all the best.

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Statement of President Serzh Sargsyan at the Moscow State Institute of Foreign Relations

Dear Mr. Torkunov,
Distinguished members of the Scientific Council,
Distinguished members of the Faculty,
Dear Students,

First, I would like to thank for the high honor to be awarded the title of the Honorary Doctor of the Moscow State Institute of Foreign Relations.

We received with great interest the invitation to visit the Moscow State Institute of Foreign Relations which deservedly occupies a place among the best centers for training of the experts of international relations.

Through the years, the MGIMO has produced a constellation of prominent diplomats, political analysts, state figures, scholars, entrepreneurs, and journalists. I would like to note with satisfaction that the MGIMO has been playing an important role in the training the cadre for the Republic of Armenia, who have been utilizing knowledge received in this reputable establishment in the area of international relations, including for the strengthening of the friendly and allied relations between our countries.

I recall warmly the Third International Forum of the MGIMO alumna on the Lazarian Seminary of Oriental Languages in Yerevan.

Dear Students,
Very soon, you will be engaged in the task of solving problems in the areas of foreign policy, international relations, economy and others. Your future success will be greatly conditioned by your understanding of the processes going on in the world, policies of this or that country, economy, and historical background.
As you know, last year we celebrated the 25th anniversary of Armenia’s independence. We have travelled a difficult but commendable road. We started in dire conditions. It would be fair to say that neither of the former Soviet republics had such unfavorable starting conditions. Despite the fact that it was necessary to overcome the consequences of the earthquake of 1988, of the war imposed on us and the resulting huge influx of refugees, the blockade, severed economic ties with the external world, energy crisis, as well as multiple other problems, Armenia undertook bold steps to reinstate her independent statehood. Today the independence generation is gradually taking responsibility for our country which has entered a new stage of statewide reforms. In Armenia, for the first time after the constitutional reforms, on April 2 there will take place parliamentary elections. Reforms carried out today, one year later will result in the creation of a full-fledged parliamentary system, providing for a more active and constitutionally protected role of the political opposition, establishment of a more transparent and efficient system of governance.

The pre-election campaign has kicked off, and first feedback from the international organizations shows that for the organization of the election process, we have succeeded in the creation of the conditions in line with international standards.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Taking into consideration the obvious preferences of the audience, I would like to focus on some foreign policy issues.

Among Armenia’s foreign policy priorities is the consistent deepening and expansion of the allied cooperation with the Russian Federation.

In recent years, the bilateral relations between our countries with their intensity and substance have reached the pinnacle, and most importantly, they are based on mutual trust and on mutual conviction that our cooperation is strong and long-lasting.
This year, we celebrate the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Republic of Armenia and the Russian Federation, as well as the 20th anniversary of the great agreement on Friendship, cooperation and mutual assistance signed on August 29, 1997.

For centuries, Armenia and Russia are tied by the strong friendship of our peoples.
Standing shoulder to shoulder, we overcame all trials of time and history which in turn predetermined the development of our interstate relations in the spirit of strategic partnership.

The unprecedented Armenian-Russian cooperation today is notable for the high-level vigorous political dialogue. It is testified to by the close cooperation in the military, trade and economic, scientific and technical, as well as humanitarian areas, also by the active interparliamentary and inter-regional cooperation.

Armenia and Russia develop multilateral efficient cooperation in the framework of the CIS, EAEU, and CSTO.

Back in 2000, in the framework of the CSTO adopted was a declaration which stated clearly: “Political and military relations between the parties of the Agreement have a priority vis-à-vis the military relations and contacts with third countries, non-members of the Agreement.” It means that everything here is defined clearly, encompassing the entire framework of the issues ranging from political declarations to military cooperation. With regard to this topic, I have to mention that violations of this principle do not add to the credibility of the Organization. Agreements to be observed and implemented fully and not on discretion, depending on the situation. Last year, in the process of working out Armenia’s priorities during our presidency at the CSTO, we were guided by the necessity to further develop the Organization based on the principles of the allied cooperation and its continuity, considering the existing global and regional security challenges. Based on this very logic, we formed an ambitious goal: to finish by 2025 works on the development the Collective Strategy of the CSTO, and we succeeded. The CSTO Strategy adopted last October in Yerevan, set the guidelines for the development of the Organization on all critical directions. It is also important that at the Yerevan Summit of the Organization, the Heads of state adopted a declaration on the unacceptability of escalating the situation in the NK conflict zone.

Dear Friends,

Security issues remain critically important for Armenia.

Before 2016, our partners tried to convince as that by spreading war propaganda and anti-Armenia hysteria, Azerbaijan was solving internal problems. A four-day military escapade unleashed by Azerbaijan against Nagorno Karabakh in April 2016, became the epitome of Baku’s years-long warmongering and militaristic policies – a stark contrast with the will of the people of Artsakh to freely master their own destiny. The Vienna and Saint Petersburg Summits, which followed the April war, confirmed the necessity to unconditionally uphold the unlimited trilateral agreement of 1994-95. Besides, the agreement was reached to install in the conflict zone mechanisms for the investigation of the ceasefire violations as well as to increase the number of the OSCE observers. Nevertheless, Azerbaijan, just as in the past, has been avoiding to honor these agreements.

Armenia, as the guarantor of the safety and security of the people of Nagorno Karabakh, is compelled to take actions aimed at the preservation of the balance in the region, to avoid a new escalation. At the same time, we are ready to respond according to any attempt to start a new war.

War is not a solution to the problem; negotiations have no alternative.
Armenia, along with the Co-Chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group Russia, the United States, and France will continue to exert efforts to find an exclusively peaceful resolution to the NK conflict.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Naturally, I would be remiss not to mention the most pressing issue on the international agenda - situation in the Middle East. Armenia has condemned on many occasions crimes committed by the ISIS and other terrorist organizations.
Their actions threaten the security of the peoples of the region and beyond. The war in Syria has a devastating effect on the civilian population of the country, including the national and religious minorities, whose physical existence is threatened because of the identity crimes against them. Violence has been used against the Armenians of Syria as well, and they suffered many losses. Armenian settlements, churches, schools, and cultural establishments have been demolished. One hundred years ago, after the Armenian Genocide, the Armenian refugees found safe haven in many Arab countries. Today, thousands of Armenians, together with other peoples of the Middle East are once again forced to leave their homes.

More than twenty thousand people from Syria alone have found refuge in Armenia. We know all too well what it means to be a refugee and to receive refugees. The Government of Armenia has taken considerable steps to aid the refugees and help them with integration. We believe that a more extensive international cooperation is needed to solve issues related to the mass movement of people and regulation of the migrants’ flows. I need to stress the importance of eliminating the main reasons of mass movements through the prevention of the crimes against humanity, peaceful resolution of conflicts and establishment of long-term political agreements.
Last fall and in February this year, Armenia provided humanitarian assistance which was delivered to Syria by Russian aircrafts. We are grateful to the Russian side for the assistance in delivering the aid.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is well-known that sustainable development is the most important prerequisite of security.

Developments of recent years reveal that Armenia endowed with scarce resources has been able to form a flexible economic system. As an example, I would like to mention the area of technologies and telecommunications which in recent years has become a driving force behind our economy. The share of that area in our GDP is close to 4 percent which is comparable to that of many development countries.
Our government has come up with a serious reformation agenda which is aimed at the enhanced quality of governance, investment attractiveness, and to the enhancement of the state-private sector cooperation.

Among Armenia’s main priorities is the consistent policy of attracting foreign investments. One of Armenia’s comparative investment advantages is the existence of the preferential trade regime with many countries. We enjoy preferential trade regimes with the US, Canada, Switzerland, Japan, and Norway, the so called Generalized System of Preferences (GSP), and Generalized Scheme of Preferences or GSP+ system with the countries of the European Union.

We attach great importance to the development of tourism. Starting from February 23, citizens of the Russian Federation can enter the territory of the Republic of Armenia with their internal passports. I am confident, it will have the most positive impact on the increase of tourist flows from Russia. But the agreement itself has a greater meaning and expresses the high level of trust between our countries.

We see Armenia’s economic development in the active involvement of the regional integration units. With this regard, especially important role is assigned to the EAEU. Despite all economic difficulties, positive achievements are obvious. Thanks to the Eurasian integration project, it became possible to considerably mitigate the negative consequences of the global economic developments, which would be much more perceptible in the absence of the EAEU internal market.

Our membership to the Union allowed to enter the almost 180 million strong market; it’s a large-scale market for Armenia which we are utilizing successfully.
It is gratifying that the interest towards the EAEU in the world is growing. Issues of cooperation with China, Iran, India, Singapore and some other countries are being debated vigorously. There is no doubt that it promotes the opportunities of the EAEU on the international arena.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Two weeks ago, Armenia and EU concluded the negotiations on the new framework agreement, whose provisions reflect the scope and level of our relations. They allow to outline the prospects for our mutually beneficial cooperation, mindful of Armenia’s commitments assumed in other integration unions.

Armenia is developing active partnership with the United States on different levels. In recent years, our relations with the Asian-Pacific and Latin-American regions have also intensified. We see a considerable potential for the implementation of the infrastructure projects in the Silk Road Economic Area initiative; it will allow to diversify logistic opportunities not only for Armenia but for other members of the Eurasian Economic Union.

Located in the center of different regions and interests, our foreign policy, based on the millennia-long history, emanates from the conviction that national interests can and should be juxtaposed with the interests of the critical players to provide for peace, stability, and regional security. We are confident that this approach is conceivable and acceptable for our partners.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

In conclusion, I wish the Moscow State Institute of Foreign Relations new achievements, I wish the students – future experts of international relations - every success in their studies.

In Fyodor Dostoevskii’s words, “Learn and read. Life will do the rest.”

Dear Mr. Torkunov,

Thank you for the warm words and welcome.

I wish you all great success.

 

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The first day of President Sargyan’s visit to the Russian Federation concluded with the meeting at the Embassy of Armenia in Russia with the doctors and students residing in Mocow. Present at the meeting was also His Eminence Ter Ezras Archbishop Nersissian, Primate of the New Nakhijevan and Russia Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church.

The President underscored in his welcoming remarks that in his foreign visits he pays special attention to the meetings with our compatriots as they present a strong base for Armenia’s cooperation with other countries. The President said that this is particularly true in case of Russia where the Armenian community is among the most powerful in the world.

Serzh Sargsyan noted that he was proud that the Armenian doctors of Moscow are true to their calling and continue to have a great input to the development of the area of health care and regardless of where they are at the moment, are always ready to unite for the benefit of Armenia. In that context the President recalled how last April, at the difficult for Armenia and Artsakh moment, the Armenian doctors of Moscow came to aid and stood by the young soldiers, providing medical and also moral support.
Serzh Sargsyan in his remarks spoke also of the formed and successfully developing Armenian-Russian cooperation in the area of health care. At the meeting, the participants presented their views on the works aimed at the strengthening of the Armenian-Russian cooperation, including in the area of health care and, at the President’s suggestion, offered their views on the processes underway in Armenia.

In the evening, President Serzh Sargsyan met in the Embassy with the Russian state and political figure Sergei Stepashin. The President of Armenia awarded Sergei Stepashin with the Order of Honor for his contribution to the deepening of the allied cooperation between the Republic of Armenia and the Russian Federation, and for the strengthening and development of the Armenian-Russian friendship.

 

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President Serzh Sargsyan, who is in the Russian Federation on official visit, in the morning of March 15th, visited the Moscow and New Nakhijevan Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church.

After lighting candles at the Saint Transfiguration Cathedral, the President of Armenia and his delegation visited the Monument of the Unknown Soldier, laid a wreath and paid tribute.

In the afternoon, President Serzh Sargsyan will leave for the Grand Palace of Kremlin where he will meet with his colleague, the President of Russia Vladimir Putin.

 

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In the framework of his official visit to the Russian Federation, President Serzh Sargsyan met with the RF President Vladimir Putin.

The leaders of the two strategic partner states discussed issues pertinent to the Armenian-Russian bilateral and multilateral agenda and cooperation, referred to the implementation of the agreements reached at the high level in different areas.

Serzh Sargsyan and Vladimir Putin discussed the NK peace process, exchanged views on the current international and regional problems and challenges.
At the beginning of the meeting held in the restricted format, the President of the Russian Federation greeted his colleague and said that on April 3 Russia and Armenia will be celebrating the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations and that through these years, the Armenian-Russian relations have acquired an allied nature. “In international settings, including those created in the post-Soviet era, we cooperate on almost all directions, as well as in the universal international organizations.

Much has happened in these years, but relations between Armenia and Russia have been constantly built on the roots coming from the past, from the depths of the centuries. They continue to develop in the same spirit also today.

We know that our meeting is taking place against the background of a major internal event in Armenia: on April 2 there will take place parliamentary elections to the National Assembly, and all this is related to the constitutional changes. It looks like, it’s not an easy process but I am confident that under your leadership Armenia will go through this stage of development. We sincerely wish you every success,” said President Putin.

President Serzh Sargsyan thanked Vladimir Putin for the invitation to conduct an official visit to the Russian Federation and said that the cooperation between the two countries is expanding constantly; new issues arise and high-level permanent contacts allow to summarize the works carried out in a given period of time and, naturally, to specify the main directions for the cooperation in the immediate future and beyond. “This is the anniversary year indeed - we celebrate the 25th jubilee of the establishment of diplomatic relations. This has been a period of close cooperation, and we have been able to form truly allied relations. Such relations have been defining our agenda.

Mr. President, I am confident that our today’s meeting will also be substantial and will be held in the atmosphere of complete mutual trust.

Thank you for the invitation and warm welcome,” said President Serzh Sargsyan.

After the meeting in the restricted format, there took place negotiations in the extended format with the participation of the two delegations.

In honor of the President of Armenia, who is in the Russian Federation on official visit, President of Russia Vladimir Putin gave a formal reception.

 

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At the conclusion of the Armenian-Russian high-level negotiations, which took place today in Kremlin, the Presidents of Armenia and Russia recapped the results of the negotiations with the statements for the representatives of the mass media.
President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan and President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin adopted a joint declaration.

 

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Statement by President Serzh Sargsyan for the mass media after the meeting with the President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin

 

Distinguished Vladimir Vladimirovich,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Distinguished representatives of the mass media,

President Putin presented in detail the results of our meeting. From my side, I would like to touch upon the following issues.

The negotiations were constructive and rather substantial indeed. As always, they were conducted in the atmosphere of total mutual trust which is characteristic for the spirit of our allied cooperation. Each meeting is a good opportunity to analyze and discuss the process of the implementation of the reached agreements and joint programs, to define new directions for cooperation of our states.

This year marks the anniversary – the 25th year of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Republic of Armenia and the Russian Federation, and today we made a pretty extensive review of the road our countries walked in twenty-five years.

In recent years, the Armenian-Russian cooperation has acquired new dynamics and a greater substance. Together with President Putin we noted that the continuance of joint efforts aimed at the deepening of the strategic partnership stems from the interests of our brotherly nations. After the discussions on the entire range of the bilateral issues, we reaffirmed our readiness to continue our efforts and deepen cooperation in the security, foreign policy, military, trade and economic, as well as humanitarian areas in line with the Agreement on Friendship, cooperation and mutual assistance and in line with the spirit and principles of the Declaration of the Republic of Armenia and Russian Federation on the allied cooperation which reaches into the 21st century. In this context, I would like to stress the importance of signing the interstate agreement on the joint group of our armed forces as well as entering into force of the air defense force agreement of the Collective Security in the Caucasus region. There is no doubt that these documents will promote further strengthening of security in the South Caucasus.

We have discussed the entire range of the trade and economic relations. Special attention was given to the areas of cooperation such as trade, investments, energy, and transportation. Russia is Armenia’s largest trade partner. In our estimate, the turnover between our countries in 2016 increased by 15 percent. Moreover, compared to January 2016, in January 2017 was registered a considerable increase of these indicators. It speaks of a serious potential which needs to be utilized, including through the mechanisms of the Eurasian Economic Union, for the benefit of our businesses and citizens. As an active member of the Organizations, Armenia is interested in the deepening of in the framework of the EAEU, all its structures and mechanisms, full functioning without artificial barriers, as well as in the enhancement of its international standing.

In the real sector of the Armenian economy combined Russian investment flows reach 4.5 billion USD. Russian business is represented in all areas of the Armenian economy, and there are more than 1400 enterprises and together with individual entrepreneurs – 2000 with Russian capital.

Atomic energy, science and innovative technologies are areas of cooperation which, undoubtedly, enrich the traditional pallet of the bilateral cooperation.

We are ready to allocate due attention to the development of certain projects in the transportation and logistical services. Considering Armenia’s capabilities, geographical location and membership to the EAEU, we see great potential in becoming a transit route towards Iran and Persian Gulf.

One of the most important directions of our cooperation is the inter-regional cooperation. We are determined to enhance and assist regions of our respective countries in their desire to develop direct trade, economic, and cultural links.

We discussed also issues related to the coordination of foreign policy, particularly in the framework of the UN, OSCE, EAEU, CSTO, as well as cooperation in other international settings. We spoke about certain aspects of the activities of the Eurasian Economic Union, including the prospects of development of the mutually beneficial ties with third countries and international organizations. We stressed the necessity of conducting consistent works aimed at the enhanced efficiency of the CSTO, adherence to the norms and principles and obligations assumed by us in the basic documents of the Organization.

We also discussed pressing international and regional issues, fight against terrorism, situation in the Middle East, the Syrian crisis. Taking this opportunity, I would like to thank the Russian side for the assistance in delivering humanitarian aid provided by Armenia to the Syrian people.
We discussed in detail the regional security issue, with the special emphasis on the resolution of the NK conflict, creation of the conditions necessary for moving forward the peace process.
We highly value Russia’s as well as the OSCE Minsk Group other Co-Chairs’ input to an exclusively peaceful resolution of the conflict. At the negotiations, reiterated was the necessity to observe and implement the 1994-95 trilateral ceasefire agreement. We also stressed the necessity to implement agreements reached in Vienna and Saint Petersburg.

We concurred that the use of force or threat to use force are totally unacceptable and undermine the peace process.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

We will make joint efforts to develop further our allied partnership for the benefit of the advancement of our countries and prosperity of our peoples.

I am confident that the agreements reached today will contribute to the strengthening of our countries in the spirit of friendship and mutual assistance in the entire spectrum of cooperation.

In conclusion, I would like to once again thank the President of Russia. Thank you, Vladimir Vladimirovich, thank you, Russian colleagues, for hospitality and constructive negotiations. And special thanks to President Putin for returning Vrubel’s The Demon and Angel with Tamara’s Soul painting, which was stolen back in 1995, to Armenia. Thanks to the efforts of the relevant bodies of the Russian Federation, this painting has been recovered, and today Vladimir Putin informed about the intention of the Russian side to return the painting to Armenia. Thank you very much.

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Statement by President Vladimir Putin for the mass media after the meeting with the President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan

Distinguished Serzh Azatovich,

Dear Colleagues and Friends,

The negotiations with the President of Armenia traditionally were conducted in the practical and constructive atmosphere. We discussed pivotal issues of the bilateral cooperation, exchanged views on the international and regional agenda.

We conducted negotiations with the participation of the Heads of ministries, agencies and representatives of business circles. Meticulously discussed were issues related to the current stage and prospects of the Armenian-Russian multifaceted cooperation.

I would like to mention, that the visit of President Sargsyan to Moscow is taking place in the important for Armenia period of time: constitutional changes aimed at the establishment of parliamentary republic are concluded, and soon there will take place parliamentary elections. I know that the authorities of Armenia and you, Serzh Azatovich, personally make great efforts so that the pre-election campaign, voting, and vote tabulation are conducted freely, based on democratic norms. I wish you success in that endeavor.

Russia is genuinely interested in a stable, independent and dynamically developing Armenia. Relations between our countries are truly of a friendly and allied nature.

Soon, on April 3, we will celebrate an important jubilee – the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. Russia and Armenia are genuinely striving to strengthen their mutually beneficial cooperation and multifaceted strategic partnership.

There is an active political dialogue: our governments are interacting vigorously, often links are established between the foreign policy agencies, security councils, enhanced joint activities of the individual ministries are laid on a practical basis, interparliamentary contacts are expanding.

I would like to note that Russia is Armenia’s leading economic partner. Data shows that last year the turnover increased by 6 percent. I see such a result as a great progress which was achieved in the unstable global situation. For the further expansion of trade and its diversification, the possibility of mutual settlements in national currencies is currently being discussed.

Russian investments in the Armenian economy exceeded 3 billion USD. There are over 2,000 enterprises with Russian capital; cooperation in the area of energy is developing actively.

Russia is the largest supplier of natural gas to Armenia – 100% of gas consumed in Armenia is Russian. By the proposal of Gazprom, the fifth energy unit of Hrazdan thermoelectric station was reconstructed, and its capacity reached 480 megawatts.

Rosatom is carrying out works aimed at the modernization of the Armenian nuclear power station. Cooperation in the mining area is also developing successfully. The Russian Polymetal company is exploring the gold mines in Armenia. Rusal made a 120 million USD investment in the joint enterprise for the production of aluminum.

Russia is supporting the development of infrastructure in Armenia. The Russian Railways company is carrying out a large-scale program on the technological modernization of the railroad system and investments are close to five hundred million USD.

Over seventy regions of Armenia and Russia have established strong partnership.
Last October, the Fifth inter-regional conference took place in Yerevan. We hope that the implementation of the inter-regional cooperation program signed on January 24 will contribute to the strengthening of the bilateral exchanges. Close contacts – cultural, scientific, and educational ties between our people are of special importance. Five thousand five hundred Armenian citizens are studying at the Russian higher education institutions, over 1500 of them are subsidized from the Russian federal budget. Last year, in the framework of the educational and humanitarian cooperation program successfully were conducted Days of Armenian Culture and Days of Russian Culture in our respective countries.

During the exchange on the current international and regional problems, it was noted that the positions of Armenia and Russia are close to each other or coincide. Our countries are striving to coordinate activities in the framework of the UN. We are cooperating successfully towards integration in the framework of the Eurasian Economic Union and CIS, develop our constructive interaction in the CSTO; we are grateful to our Armenian friends for cooperation on this critical direction, for the humanitarian assistance provided to Syria. Last October and February 2017 humanitarian aid was transported from Armenia to Syria by the Russian military-space aircrafts.

Special attention was paid to the settlement of the NK conflict. Russia continues to provide assistance to find a mutually acceptable solution to the conflict in the framework of the OSCE Minsk Group, as well as through the direct contacts with Yerevan and Baku.

In conclusion, I would like to thank our partners and personally Serzh Azatovich Sargsyan for today’s substantial and productive dialogue.

I am confident that the reached agreements will promote the further strengthening of the Armenian-Russian strategic partnership.

I thank you for your attention.

 

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In the framework of his official visit to the Russian Federation, President Serzh Sargsyan met  with the Chairman of the Russian Government Dmitry Medvedev.

At the private meeting, the President of Armenia and Prime Minister of Russia discussed cooperation of the two strategic partners in all areas, recapped the results of the works conducted so far, and spoke about the possibilities for the expansion of the trade and economic relations. Along with the bilateral Armenian-Russian relations, Serzh Sargsyan and Dmitry Medvedev discussed also issues pertinent to the utilization of the mechanisms aimed at efficient cooperation in the framework of the Eurasian Economic Union. The President of Armenia and Prime Minister of Russia exchanged views on the development of cooperation of the EAEU with third countries and steps taken by the RA and RF on that direction. Among other pivotal topics, President Sargsyan and Prime Minister Medvedev discussed also issues related to the diversification of the lines of communication between Armenia and Russia.