High level Armenian-Russian negotiations took place in Moscow

Today, in the framework of his working visit to the Russian Federation President Serzh Sargsyan met with the President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin. The leaders of the two strategic partner-states discussed a wide range of issues on the agenda of the Armenian-Russian bilateral relations. They also spoke about the integration processes in the Eurasian area, exchanged views on the current international and regional issues and challenges. Presidents Serzh Sargsyan and Vladimir Putin discussed also issues pertinent to the present stage of the NK peace process and possibilities to move the process forward.

“Esteemed President Sargsyan, I am very glad to see you. There is no need to describe our bilateral interstate relations: they are really of a strategic nature. I am very pleased to state that fact and note that our relations develop and develop successfully. There are certainly some problems of the objective nature, and I mean first of all our economic cooperation, though here too we understand that over all we can be content with the foundation we laid for our relations. I have no doubt that based on our mutual decisions of previous years we will advance on that direction too. This year you are chairing at the CSTO, and I do hope that we will be able to converse with you, as the Chairman of that international organization since that very organization is responsible for security issues, fight against terrorism and organized crime, and we need to make sure that the situation on our borders is quiet. And of course, a representative of Armenia, not in the national but in the international official capacity, nevertheless your colleague is currently presiding over at our primary integration economy union – the EEU. Thus, we have numerous things to talk about, and I am glad to see you. Welcome,” said President of the RF Vladimir Putin at the meeting with President Serzh Sargsyan.

“Thank you, Mr. President. I am very glad to meet with you and agree with you hundred percent that our relations develop very well. In general, this is a good tradition – to meet at the beginning of the year, to recap on the results of the last year’s work and set guidelines for the current year. In political, economic, military and technical, as well as humanitarian areas we have complete understanding and relations develop very well. I would like to thank you for the implementation of all those agreements which we have reached during our previous meetings. As the country presiding over at the CSTO, we pay the utmost attention to the implementation of the decisions which were adopted the September and December sessions of the CSTO. We are certainly concerned with the tense situation in the areas adjacent to the CSTO realm of responsibility. In my statement at the December session as well as in my other statements I have stated clearly that we firmly support the Russian position regarding Syria and of course welcome agreements you have reached with the United States on the cessation of the military activities. It could become the key for the political settlement of the problem. Today, Mr. President, Candidates Chess Tournament kicks off, and since the Chess Federation of Armenia is a sponsor of that event, we have dedicated the opening ceremony to the 25th anniversary of Armenia’s independence. Also, a large exhibition on civilization is opening today at the Russian Museum of History, and I am confident that the citizens of Russia will like the exhibition and it will make its contribution to the strengthening of friendship between our peoples.

Mr. President, I would like to thank you personally for the efforts which Russia exercises for the resolution of the NK conflict. We continue to adhere to a peaceful settlement of the conflict,” President Serzh Sargsyan said at the meeting with the President of the Russian Federation.

Later, the President of Armenia, Chairman of Armenia’s Chess Federation Serzh Sargsyan in Moscow will attend the official ceremony of opening the Candidates Chess Tournament.

Along with other 8 acclaimed contenders, the leader of the Armenian chess game Levon Aronian will also participate at the tournament, which will take place in the capital of the Russian Federation on March 10-29. The winner of the tournament, which consists of two rounds, will take part at the Championship which will take place on November 11-30 in New York.