Armenia prioritizes strengthening alliance with Russia - FM
MOSCOW. June 7 (Interfax) - The Russian and Armenian foreign ministers, Sergei Lavrov and Zohrab Mnatsakanyan, have declared the intention to develop the countries' strategic partnership.
"I am glad to have an opportunity to personally congratulate you on your appointment to the high position of Armenian foreign minister and would like to express hope of discussing specifics of our alliance and strategic partnership, both in the bilateral format and within various international unions, in furtherance of the recent contacts between our president and prime minister," Lavrov told Mnatsakanyan, who is paying his first foreign visit as foreign minister.
The countries' relations "rest on a solid foundation," Mnatsakanyan said.
"The Armenian government remains committed to the deepening and strengthening of our alliance and to cooperation based on mutual understanding and respect. This is the core of our objectives and priorities," Mnatsakanyan said, adding that the Armenian government's program as presented in the national parliament on Thursday reiterated that stance.