YEREVAN. - The 28th session of the the Inter-parliamentary Committee on Cooperation between the Armenian National Assembly (NA) and Russian Federal Assembly took place in the Armenian parliament Thursday. The meeting was hosted by the Co-Chairs of the Inter-parliamentary Committee Hermine Naghdalyan and Nikolay Ryzhkov.

In an opening speech Hermine Naghdalyan, who is also the Armenian NA Deputy Speaker, noted that the ally relation of both countries are based on centuries-old traditions of friendship and good neighborly relations, which are currently at a high interstate and political level. She also added that the strategic partnership between the two countries has reached a new level after Armenia’s accession to the Eurasian Economic Union.  

According to Naghdalyan, various programs are implemented in the framework of the cultural cooperation: thematic exhibitions, joint concerts and performances, as well as meetings with the representatives of the intelligentsia are held.  

Referring to the tourism development, Naghdalyan noted that this is one of the priority directions of the republic’s economy: the Armenian Government launched structural changes, as a result of which a separate committee dealing with tourism development issues has been set up. Tourism is based on rich cultural heritage, unique and diverse nature, as well as customs and traditions, she said, adding that the flow of Russian tourists to Armenia has significantly grown recently.

For his part, the Inter-parliamentary Committee Co-Chair Nikolay Ryzhkov stressed that their committee has its special input in the development of the Armenian-Russian friendly ties. He underscored the importance of the detailed discussion of the issues on the agenda, since they concern direct communication between people. In Ryzhkov’s words, both nations have passed a long and difficult path and are still cooperating in different areas.

Ryzhkov also touched on different cultural events held in both countries, especially pointing out to the exhibition entitled “Armenia: Legend of Being,” which was attended by the Armenian and Russian presidents.

Apart from this, the existing issues and prospects for cultural cooperation between the two countries were presented.  

Other participants also delivered speeches at the session, raising a wide scope of issues of mutual interest.

The next session will be held in Khanty-Mansiysk Autonomous Okrug of Russia in early July next year.