There is a multifaceted certainty in the issue of opening the Russian consulate general in Kapan; we expect that by May we will reach specific agreements on the timeframes of opening the consulate general. Maria Zakharova, the spokesperson of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA), stated this at Wednesday’s press briefing—and regarding the opening of the Russian consulate general in Kapan, Armenia.

"We are convinced that the consistent expansion of the Russian presence in the strategically important region in the south of the [Armenian] republic corresponds to the long-term interests of both Armenia and Russia, as well as the region as a whole," Zakharova said. She noted that this move can give a significant impetus to trade-investment, public-educational, cultural-humanitarian cooperation, and the establishment of mutually beneficial ties with the regions of Russia in that region of Armenia.

The Russia MFA spox believes that the promotion of the economic agenda between the two countries in Syunik Province of Armenia within the Eurasian Economic Union format is becoming even more important due to the recent ratification of the agreement on a free-trade zone with Iran.

According to Zakharova, the opening of the Russian consulate general in Kapan will become a reliable insurance for the dynamic, peaceful, and secure development of Syunik Province.