ETCHMIADZIN.- Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II received on Wednesday the delegation headed by Speaker of the Federation Council, Russia’s upper house of parliament, Valentina Matviyenko.

During the meeting, the sides stressed importance of strengthening Armenia-Russia strategic partnership. In particular, they stated the mutual visits bring closer cooperation in different fields.

Karekin II extended condolences to the Russian people on flood in Krasnodar region of Russia.

The Karabakh settlement was one of the issues discussed during the meeting.

Catholicos handed over St. Sahak- St. Mesrop order to Valentina Matviyenko for personal contribution to strengthening friendship between the Armenian and Russian nations.