MOSCOW. - In the framework of the Armenian PM Karen Karapetyan’s official visit to Russia, an extended format meeting took place between the Armenian and Russian Premiers, with the participation of the official delegations of both countries.

At the meeting on the sidelines of a working lunch, the official delegations of both countries discussed a wide scope of issues of importance to Armenia and Russia. 

Apart from the traditional directions of cooperation, the sides also touched on issues of giving impetus to the cooperation in new directions, attracting Russian capital in Armenian business through joint projects.

The premiers of both countries pointed out to the implementation of joint investment projects and strengthening of trade and economic relations in EAEU format as key issues on the agenda.

During the meeting in an extended format, the proposal of the Armenian side on establishing Armenian-Russian investment fund was discussed. The latter is supposed to enable funding the economic branches of priority to Armenia. The Russian side assessed the proposal positively.

The sides also referred to the creation of a free trade zone in Armenia—in the section adjacent to the border with Iran—and the active participation of the Russian companies therein.

Russian PM Dmitry Medvedev attached importance to the proposal, noting that the Russian companies will show interest in that issue.

The interlocutors also touched on the issue of providing farm equipment to Armenia on lease or other basis, underscoring the importance of the idea of establishing joint enterprises in the area of agriculture. 

By the end of the meeting, a number of documents aimed at deepening the cooperation between Armenia and Russia were signed.