Mikael Melkumian and Sergey Kopyrkin discussed prospects for cooperation

ArmInfo. Vice Speaker of the  Armenian Parliament Mikael Melkumyan received on September 3 the  Russian Ambassador to Armenia Sergei Kopyrkin. As the press service  of the Parliament reports, Melkumian expressed confidence that the  ambassador will deepen and expand Armenian-Russian friendly relations  in the course of his diplomatic mission.

The Vice-Speaker noted that parliamentary diplomacy plays an  important role in the development of interstate relations. Speaking  about the Armenian-Russian strategic and allied relations, Melkumian  expressed concern over Russia's sale of weapons to Azerbaijan.

The sides also touched upon the peaceful resolution of the  Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. Mikael Melkumyan stressed that the  confrontation must be settled exclusively peacefully within the  framework of the OSCE Minsk Group. In turn, the ambassador noted the  importance of a peaceful solution to the conflict.

The vice-speaker of the National Assembly noted the importance of  cooperation between Russia and Armenia at the international  inter-parliamentary platforms.

Speaking about economic relations, the sides touched upon the  military-industrial, trade-economic, energy, and other spheres.  Mikael Melkumyan considered it necessary to take steps to promote  economic cooperation at the non-governmental level. The Vice Speaker  also stressed the importance of establishing direct trade and  economic ties between the regions of Armenia and Russia.