Yerevan and Moscow discussed current issues of the Armenian-Russian  interaction

ArmInfo. The relations  between Armenia and Russia are very deep and multi-layered, and  friendship goes back in centuries, it is strengthened by joint  victories and trust. Armenian Foreign Minister Zohrab Mnatsakanyan  stated this at a joint press conference with Russian Foreign Minister  Sergey Lavrov on November 11.

At the same time, the Armenian minister stated that this is the first  visit of his Russian counterpart to Yerevan during his tenure. "The  agenda of our bilateral relations is very rich. It is a great honor  for us that Lavrov in Yerevan took part in the opening of the  exhibition dedicated to the contribution of the Armenian people to  the Victory in the Great Patriotic War. This exhibition marks the  beginning of events in Armenia dedicated to the 75th anniversary of  the Victory," the Armenian minister said.

Speaking about the Armenian-Russian relations in general,  Mnatsakanyan emphasized that relations cover all sectors, both in  bilateral and multilateral formats, on the platforms of international  structures, such as the CSTO, CIS, EAEU, within the framework of  legislative bodies and intergovernmental commissions.  "Russia is the  number one economic partner for Armenia, and the volume of trade  between our countries has grown by almost 18% compared to last year.  Decentralized cooperation is also actively developing," the Armenian  Foreign Minister emphasized.  At the same time, Mnatsakanyan  indicated active interaction on international platforms, such as the  UN, OSCE, CE, BSEC, where positions on various issues are adjusted.   "In addition to this, a plan of inter-MFA consultations between  Armenia and Russia for 2020-21 was signed today. The parties  expressed satisfaction with the implementation of the program over  the past year," the Armenian minister said.

In the context of the discussion of regional issues, Mnatsakanyan  thanked the Russian side for helping our compatriots in Syria and  noted the importance of the humanitarian mission of Armenia in the  SAR.

"During the meeting, I highly appreciated the role of Russia and  other co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group in the process of peaceful  settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. In this context, I would  like to note the importance of the April meeting at the level of the  Foreign Ministers of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Republic of  Armenia held in Moscow with the mediation of Russia," - the Armenian  diplomat said, pointing out the importance of ensuring the rights of  the people of Artsakh and their security in finding a comprehensive  solution, while stressing that there is no alternative to the peace  process.

In his turn, the Russian minister noted the holding of intensive  negotiations, which started with a Prime Minister of the Republic of  Armenia Nikol Pashinyan and continued at the Armenian Foreign  Ministry.  Pointing to a wide range of issues on both the bilateral  and the multilateral agenda, Lavrov emphasized that Armenia is a  tried and tested strategic ally of Russia. According to him, during  the talks, the two countries confirmed their commitment to continue a  high-level confidential dialogue. Lavrov recalled that this year  alone, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister Dmitry  Medvedev met four times with the Prime Minister of Armenia.  Additional meetings are coming up, including on the sidelines of the  CSTO summit, which will take place this month. Active contacts occur  at all levels. A bilateral Inter- Parliamentary Commission was held  in Yerevan last week. An interregional forum is being held. The next,  already eighth forum, is scheduled for early 2020. In the  humanitarian field, we have a cooperation program between the  ministries of culture for 2019-2021. In 12 days, the Fifth  Russian-Armenian Youth Forum will be held in Moscow, "the Russian  minister said.  At the same time, Lavrov recalled that Russia is the  leading economic partner of Armenia and last year the trade turnover  between the two countries recorded 11% growth, and this year the  positive dynamics continue.  The Russian Foreign Minister also  informed that joint projects in the fuel and energy and transport  sectors were discussed with Armenian colleagues. "The ties among the  regions are developing. More than 70 constituent entities of the  Russian Federation are engaged in the process of cooperation. The  degree of dynamics in relations is also indicated by the fact that  about 6 thousand Armenian citizens receive education in the Russian  Federation , including 1.5 from the federal budget. There are 6  branches of Russian universities in Armenia "- the head of the  Russian Foreign Ministry said.  At the same time, Lavrov also  positively assessed the chairmanship of Yerevan in the EAEU.   Speaking about the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, the Russian Foreign  Minister noted the importance of active efforts aimed at  strengthening measures to ease tensions, taking into account existing  agreements.  "The Russian Federation is ready to continue to provide  the most active assistance within the framework of the OSCE and the  format of Armenia, the Russian Federation and Azerbaijan," Sergey  Lavrov concluded.