27 Dec 2018 18:39

Russia to do all it can to retain current level of cooperation with Armenia - Putin

MOSCOW. Dec 27 (Interfax) - Russia will do all it can to retain its current level of cooperation with Armenia within the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) and in other areas, Russian President Vladimir Putin said.

"The dynamics are good and need to be preserved. We're ready to do so. We, for our part, will be doing everything in our power to retain this level of relations, not only in this [trade] sector but in other areas, as well," Putin said at a meeting with acting Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan.

"I have in mind the area of security, our cooperation within the CSTO, and multifaceted economic cooperation within the Eurasian Economic Union," he said.

Pashinyan said he was told by a Russian presidential protocol official at a Moscow airport that he is one of the foreign leaders who visit Russia most frequently. "I think this highlights the context of our special strategic relations. I am sure we will preserve and develop these dynamics in our relations," he said.

Armenia is looking forward to Putin's official visit next year, Pashinyan said. "This would be very pleasant for us," he said.

Putin wished Pashinyan success and good luck in the implementation of all the plans he has set for his team.