Armenia's acting foreign minister outlines key aspects of talks with Russian counterpart

YEREVAN, May 6. /ARKA/. Armenia looks forward to discussing the most urgent issues of the Russian-Armenian agenda, which are of strategic nature, acting Foreign Minister Ara Ayvazyan said today at a meeting with the visiting Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov.

"Your visit is a good opportunity to continue discussions on a wide range of issues of the Armenian-Russian interstate dialogue. The allied nature of the Armenian-Russia ties predetermines the range of tasks that we jointly implement in the interests of further strengthening the friendship of our peoples, developing our countries in conditions of security, peace and stability, "Ayvazyan was quoted as saying by the press service of the Armenian Foreign Ministry.

According to the Armenian minister, an active political dialogue and broad foreign policy coordination, a solid legal framework regulating the interaction of the two countries in all areas, including defense, provide for the necessary conditions for the success of joint efforts.

"We are interested in promoting bilateral relations through the consistent activity of such mechanisms as the intergovernmental commission on economic cooperation, the inter-parliamentary commission, the commission on military-technical cooperation," stated Ayvazyan. 

Karabakh issue 

Aivazian noted that the discussion of this issue will continue during the day. "In this context, the importance of creating conditions for the resumption of the peace process under the auspices of the OSCE Minsk Group co chairs was emphasized," Ayvazyan said. He said the top task now is the return of all Armenian captives held in Azerbaijan.

"And this task must be resolved as soon as possible, which is also indicated by numerous reports about the ongoing massive violation of international humanitarian law," the minister stressed.
Ayvazyan stated also that it is important to create elementary conditions for the return of displaced persons to their homes and rendering humanitarian aid to the population, and restoring the economy in Nagorno-Karabakh. "The task of preserving the historical and cultural heritage, which came under the control of the Azerbaijani armed forces, is extremely urgent," he said. 

Regional interaction and communication 

Aivazian said they will exchange opinions on further actions, including the unblocking of regional transport communications.

"We will consider the latest trends in the development of the situation at the regional level, including in the context of the task of promoting interests and countering common threats," Ayvazyan said. He stated the readiness of the Armenian side to exchange views on interaction in the format of multilateral and integration associations.

Sergey Lavrov is in Yerevan on May 5-6 on a working visit. On Thursday morning, he already held a one-on-one meeting with his Armenian counterpart Ara Ayvazyan. He is scheduled also to have a conversation with the acting Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. --0--