Russia expects Armenia to further contribute to relief operation in Syria
YEREVAN. Aug 3 (Interfax) - Russia expects Armenia to take further practical steps to contribute to the humanitarian operation in Syria, Russian Deputy Defense Minister Col. Gen. Alexander Fomin said at a meeting with Armenian Foreign Minister Zograb Mnatsakanyan.
"We are grateful to you for supporting Russia's efforts aimed at restoring peaceful life in Syria and providing aid to the people of this country. Armenia has already sent humanitarian aid four times, and we have a vast record of interaction with the Armenian side," Fomin said.
"Armenia is our ally and key partner in the South Caucasus. Our cooperation both in the bilateral format and within international structures, primarily the CSTO [Collective Security Treaty Organization], has been successful," he said, adding that Russia has been doing a great deal to help Armenia bolster its Armed Forces.
Mnatsakanyan, for his part, reaffirmed that Armenia's foreign policy, which includes cooperation within the CSTO and the Eurasian Economic Union - remains unchanged.
Bilateral cooperation between Russia and Armenia consists of several avenues, with a focus on security, he said.
"And we now have a new sphere of cooperation - Syria, which historically has been home to a large Armenian community," the Armenian foreign minister said.