The youth of Armenia and Russia can play a huge role in the development of bilateral relations. The spokesperson for the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA), Maria Zakharova, stated this in response to a question of the "Era" NGO about what contribution the not indifferent Armenian youth can make to the development of Armenian-Russian relations.

Zakharova noted that she would not consider this issue exclusively through the prism of nationality.

"I would not divide it by nationality. Because both Armenian and Russian youth can play their role in the development of bilateral relations. Therefore, let's talk about the youth of both countries," she said.

As per the spokesperson of the Russian MFA, young people can become supporters of peaceful coexistence, friendship, and the development of the closest possible relations between Armenia and Russia.

Zakharova emphasized that the basis of such relations is created by centuries-old history, cultural affinity, as well as shared traditional values and religious views.

Separately, she noted Russia's role in the settlement of bloody conflicts that took the lives of the people of Armenia.

"This must be remembered, and the youth must know and remember this," Zakharova stated, also recalling the Russian servicemen who fulfilled their military duty.

According to her, one of the important, modern foundations of Armenian-Russian relations is the numerous families created by representatives of the two countries.

Zakharova noted that there are entire generations of people who do not separate themselves from the culture of Armenia or Russia and consider themselves part of two peoples and two cultures at the same time.

"These are thousands and thousands of people, if not hundreds of thousands or even more, who cannot, do not want, and are not going to say that for them that country is less important, and this country is more important," she said.

In  Zakharova’s view, for many young people the choice between Armenia and Russia is artificial, since their families, cultural ties, and personal history are closely connected with both countries.

Also, she pointed to the practical importance of developing relations, and stressed the geographical and transport opportunities for cooperation between the two countries, including the promotion of Armenian goods and opportunities through the territory of Russia.

“We must develop the best relations, in the highest sense of the word, in all directions,” the Russian MFA spokesperson emphasized.

Zakharova stated that the deterioration of relations between the two countries is not in the interests of their youth, since it is the current generation that is destined to live in the conditions that are being formed today.

According to her, young people can participate in strengthening Armenian-Russian ties in a variety of ways: through social media, business, public activities, creating families, politics, diplomacy, and journalism.

“Whatever the relations will be, that will also be what the future of today’s youth will be. They, their children, future generations will live in these conditions, in this atmosphere," the Russian MFA spokesperson concluded.