A roundtable on “Armenian-Russian cooperation and regional problems” has been held in Yerevan. Armenian and Russian experts, as well as representatives of political forces, participated in discussions.

In his opening speech, Chairman of the Prosperous Armenia Gagik Tsarukyan said that Russia has always been Armenia’s true friend.

Chairman of the Republican Party of Armenia (RPA) parliamentary faction Galust Sahakyan conveyed RA President Serzh Sargsyan’s welcoming message. He stressed the developing cooperation between the ruling parties in Armenia and Russia. Sahakyan pointed out the necessity for further bilateral cooperation to the two nations’ benefit.

RF Ambassador to Armenian Vyacheslav Kovalenko pointed out vigorous development of bilateral political, economic and humanitarian relations. He said that the high-level bilateral relations will facilitate the implementation of joint programs in various fields.

In his report on Russian-Armenian economic cooperation, Igor Prokofyev, Deputy Director of the Russian Institute of Strategic Research, pointed out that Russia is the largest investor in Armenia’s economy. He stressed Russia is still interested in Armenia’s economy, and the bilateral cooperation will continue.

Sevak Sarukhanyan spoke of Armenian-Russian energy cooperation, pointing out Russian-Armenian cooperation in constructing the third power unit of the Armenian nuclear-power plant. According to him, Russia is the only state that retained its interest in the Armenian NPP and launched relevant programs considering their political rather than economic advisability.

Sarukhanyan stressed Russia should be involved not only in the political and economic, but also in the civil life of Armenia to shape a favorable public opinion on its role in Armenia. “Otherwise, all the Russian projects in various fields may fail,” he said. Speaking of the construction of a new NPP in Armenia, he pointed out it may be not only an energy and economic, but also a political project. Armenia’s regional role will be enhanced and, if the Armenian-Turkish border is reopened, it will take on an unprecedented economic importance.

Director of the Russian Institute of Strategic Studies (RISS) Leonid Reshetnikov, who spoke of regional problems, said that the situation surrounding Iran’s nuclear program is a destabilizing factor in the region. He has no doubts that Iran is now preparing for production of nuclear weapons. Reshetnikov pointed pout Moscow is against the enlargement of the Nuclear Club. Otherwise it will be difficult to control. “We should work with Iran instead of applying sanctions, which hinder the country’s humanitarian development,” the expert said.