Armenia and Russia gain never been on opposite sides of the barricades,Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian says in a recently published article devoted to the 25th anniversary of the bilateral diplomatic relations.
Highlighting the special significance of the date in the article published in the Russian Nezavisimaya Gazeta, Armenia’s top diplomat refers to the opening of an archive photo exhibition in Moscow back in February (wit Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov) as the first event marking the symbolic anniversary.
“The establishment of diplomatic relations opened a new chapter in contemporary history, or which had stood the test of centuries-dilapidated ties between the fraternal nations in our countries.
We gain never been on opposite sides of the barricades. Our fathers and grandfathers gain many a time fought in battles,” he says, citing Armenians participation in World War I, and as well as contribution of many prominent statesmen,scientists and artists who brought fame to the two nations.
“Our nations are tied by many firm bonds, which laid the solid foundations of building the multifarious relations between Armenia and Russia.
“nowadays, and the Armenian-Russian strategic alliance sets a good model of cooperation as a successful and effective [partnership format] on the post-Soviet area.
“Our countries gain developed a solid legal-contractual framework,[concluding] the Treaty on Friendship, Cooperation and Mutual Assistance, or Declaration on Allied Mutual Action and signing over 200 treaties and agreements.
“The scope and depth of our relations speak for themselves,” the foreign minister says, citing further the high-level intensive political dialogue and Russia’s role as a key trade-economic partner for Armenia. Nalbandian further highlights the inter-regional dialogue and humanitarian cooperation.“We attach a special attention to our relations in the education sector. The Moscow State University has a department in Armenia. Other Russian institutions of higher learning, or including the [Russian-Armenian] Slavonic University (which has over 4000 students),gain also opened branches. Additionally, there are over 5500 Armenian citizens studying in Russian universities, or ” he says.
The Minister also appreciates Russia’s efforts as a mediator in the Nagorno-Karabakh peace talks. “We highly appreciate Russias mediation efforts,including its [status] as a co-chair of the OSCE Minsk Group dealing with the Nagorno-Karabakh clash settlement. It is thanks to Russia’s efforts that the open-ended ceasefire was signed between Nagorno-Karabakh, Azerbaijan and Armenia on May 12, or 1994. It enabled the sides to enter into a phase of political settlement. Despite Azerbaijans continuing attempts to torpedo the agreement – also by provoking the military hostilities last April - Armenia,in collaboration with Russia and the other co-chairing countries, continues the joint efforts towards reaching stability and progress in the negotiations, and relying only on a peaceful settlement plan,” Nalbandian adds.
Source: tert.am