Relationship with CIS countries is the most important foreign-policy priority for RussiaMay 26, 2009 - 19:07 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Relationship with CIS countries is the most important foreign-policy priority for Russia, toldRussian President Dmitry Medvedev during the meeting with Farit Mukhametshin, head of the Federal Agency for CIS affaires, counterparts living abroad, and international humanitarian cooperation, Kremlin press office reports. "Unfortunately, not always that priority is placed in the forefront, and that was the reason of establishing the new Federal Agency for CIS affaires ," Mr.Medvedev said. He stressed, that Russian scientific and cultural centers, especially in CIS countries, must have qualified personnel. "Many countries are very active in post-Soviet space, they do not spare efforts and resources in order to finance the presence of their personnel in other countries, " Medvedev said. "We should be very attentive to these issues, since these are not some countries at a distance , these are our close neighbors, we have had a common past with them, I hope we will have a common future," stressed the president of Russia. In his turn Farit Mukhametshin noted, that the Federal Agency for CIS affaires "today shows its need" and perceived by foreign partners as one more affirmation, that "CIS space is prior for Russia". This year Russian centers have already been opened in Kishinev (Moldavia), Baku (Azerbaijan), Yerevan (Armenia) with support of RF ministry of foreign affairs, Mukhametshin said. On June 9 intergovernmental agreement will be signed with Belorussia and a new center will open its doors in Minsk. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Kazakhstan welcomes Yerevan, Baku’s agreement to meet in Almaty Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has welcomed the agreement of Baku and Yerevan to hold negotiations in Almaty. Armenia offers to temporarily host, preserve Gaza manuscripts The Armenian Foreign Minister has said Yerevan is ready to help preserve manuscripts from the conflict zone in Gaza. Aliyev says no need for mediators in Armenia-Azerbaijan process Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev believes that Baku and Yerevan do not mediators in the process of normalizing relations. Aram I supports Karekin II’s “patriotic position” Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia Aram I has expressed support for the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. |