ArmInfo. Russian MFA Minister Sergey Lavrov wrote an article 'Russia and Armenia centuries-old traditions of friendship and trust to 25th anniversary of diplomatic relations' which was published in the Novoe Vremya newspaper.
"April 3, 2017 is being celebrated a remarkable event- 25th anniversary of Russian-Armenian diplomatic relations. This date symbolizes a new stage of Russian-Armenian relations, counting not one century. We are connected by old traditions of friendship and bilateral support, cultural and spiritual relations.
"I could state action that not only we treated with respect to national distinctiveness of one another, but also generously shared our achievements. Names of many Armenians is an integral part of historical origins of Russian history. In Russia is well known and remembered painter I.K.Aivazovsky, academic V.A. Hambarzumyan and brothers I.A and L.A Orbeli, admiral I.S. Isakov, Marshal I.K.Baghramyan and A.K. Babadjanyan, composers A.I Khachaturyan and M.L. Tariverdiev. And this is only a small party of long list" he wrote.
"Russia and Armenia through the ages connect strong traditions of friendship, bilateral respect, trust and support. With united efforts the relations between the two states have been brought to a new qualified level of allied cooperation. The hopeful basis of bilateral cooperation became Agreement of Friendship, cooperation and bilateral support between Russia and Armenia from August 27 1997 and Declaration of allied cooperation between Russia and Armenia oriented in XXI century, from September 26, 2000. Substantial and confidential political dialogue is described by high intensity at the highest level. In a joint statement of Russian and Armenian Presidents confirmed bilateral motivation of further strengthening of Russian-Armenian partnership in all the areas as a result of talks in Moscow on March 15, 2017. Interregional relations are being widened, involving 70 entities of Russia and all administrative territorial units in Armenia. Intergovernmental cooperative program is being implemented in this field from 2016 to 2021.
The main attention is paid to deepening of cultural-humanitarian relations, contacts with people. This, surely, will promote in February 2017 accepted regulation of traveling of Russian residents to Armenia via domestic passports. The essential contribution in further spiritual closeness of natures brings progressive development of Para church dialogue. This year turns 300 year of Russian and New-Naxchevan Eparchies forming in Armenian Apostolic Church.
The most important essential of many-sided Russian-Armenian partnership remains beneficial cooperation of diplomatic services. Lavrov highly appreciates trustworthy dialogue with my Armenian colleague Edward Nalbandian. Our talks in Moscow from February 21-23, 2017 confirmed the coincidence or essential closeness of approaches on main problems of modern times.
"We intensively cooperate in leading many-sided areas. Together with Yerevan we promote wider expansion of noticeable potentials of CIS and CSTO. We strengthen foreign political coordination within UN, OSCE, European Union and BSEC.
"Russia is active participant of Naghorno-Karabakh settlement. Together with USA and France and other Chairmen of OSCE Minsk Group we help the sides to reach firm settlement of the conflict. The decision of this issue is dedicated to previous year's initiative of Russian President three sided summit in Saint Petersburg. The theme of Naghorno Karabakh settlement is being discussed in details during two sided meetings of Putin with Armenian and Azerbaijani Governments, also during many contacts between the MFA Ministers. We managed to agree on many issues; only a few issues are left, not so complicated, though. However it is obvious that the results of work depend, firstly, on political will of the sides, on their readiness to show flexibility and reach compromised decisions", Lavrov's statement reads.