Lavrov-Nalbandian meeting was quite long and took place in the atmosphere of mutual understanding, the FMs said at the press conference.

Nalbandian underlined that they discussed implementation of bilateral programs in a friendly atmosphere and arrived at satisfactory conclusions. “We also touched upon further prospects on strategic partnership expansion and intensification of economic cooperation. I expressed gratitude to my Russian counterpart for allocation of $500m long term credit to Armenia,” Nalbandian stated and thanked Russia for constructive approach to Karabakh peace process as well as Armenia-Turkey reconciliation.

Lavrov informed that this is his first official visit in 2010 and symbolically he paid it to friendly Armenia. Russian FM outlined that Russian-Armenian strategic partnership is on the high level and both countries’ Presidents set the tone for all. Minister expressed content with the level of political-economic as well as military-strategic cooperation. “We closely cooperate in military-strategic sphere and in frames of CSTO,” he stated. The issues on cooperation within international organizations and Armenia’s collaboration with NATO were also in focus of the talks.

Speaking of humanitarian field, Lavrov informed that Russian-Armenian innovation center will open in Armenia in a month. “We reached agreement on cooperation between MGIMO-University and Armenian diplomatic school,” he added. FM also thanked Armenian authorities for the opening of monument to Russian soldiers killed in Russian-Turkish war in the city of Gyumri.

A.G.