Russia has been and remains a close ally and partner of Armenia, and it is going to resolve the arising problems with Armenia within the framework of dialogue, said Dmitry Peskov, press secretary of the Russian president, RIA Novosti reported.

"No, we [i.e. Russia] remain, have been and, I am convinced, will be a very close ally and partner of Armenia. We may have certain problems that need to be solved, but they need to be resolved within the framework of the dialogue," Peskov said in response to the question of whether Russia was afraid of losing its ally, Armenia.

Peskov expressed a conviction that the logic of development and the national interests of both countries dictate the need for further deepening of their cooperation and partnership.

And asked whether Russia was ready—like before—to defend Armenia in the event of an attack on its territory, the representative of the Kremlin responded that Russia has relevant obligations within the framework of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO).