The foreign ministers of Armenia and Russia, Ararat Mirzoyan and Sergey Lavrov, exchanged messages on the occasion of the 33rd anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Lavrov's respective message states as follows, in part:

"This event has marked the beginning of a modern phase in bilateral relations between Moscow and Yerevan. Based on the commonality of spiritual and moral values, the traditional strength of interdisciplinary and humanitarian contacts, Russia and Armenia have developed a solid legal framework and built multilateral, equal, mutually beneficial relations.

Despite external attempts to undermine the Russian-Armenian alliance, we succeed in maintaining a high level of political dialogue and foreign policy coordination and increase trade and economic cooperation both bilaterally and in the format of a single integration space. We [i.e. Russia] are ready to continue joint work to further deepen and improve the effectiveness of partnership for the benefit of the citizens of our countries, for the benefit of strengthening peace and security in the South Caucasus."