Russia's main interest in the region in stability

PanARMENIAN.Net - Armenian-Russian relations can be characterized as good, Armenia is a strategic partner for Russian Federation, Andrey Kelin, director of the forth department of the RF foreign ministry said at the "Armenia at the crossroads of communications" conference. According to him, it was particularly reflected during the global financial crisis, when RF allocated a $500 million stabilization credit to Armenia. "Russian capital 'feels comfortable' in Armenia, we have many joint ventures, we actively cooperate in the energy sphere, particularly in nuclear energy," he said.



"The decision of Armenia not take part in NATO military exercises in Georgia was welcomed by Russia. It re-approves our strategic relationship. Russia's main interest is in stability, in that respect we cooperate with Azerbaijan, as well. As opposed to Yerevan, Baku does not participate in integration processes, authored by Russia," Mr.Kelin said.



The Russian diplomat also stressed, that Moscow welcomes Turkey's initiative related to Security and Stability Platform in the Caucasus. "We are not aware of the further development of the Armenian-Turkish relations, but in any case Moscow welcomes that step and believes that it will become one of the ways to strengthen regional stability. Simultaneously, normalization of Armenian-Turkish relations must not contradict to Nagorno Karbakh settlement, these two processes should go concurrently. If some day there will be a breakthrough in Nagorno Karabakh issue, it will become a stabilizing factor in the region," Andrey Kelin stressed.