Presidents of Armenia and Russia, Serzh Sargsyan and Dmitry Medvedev, have opened the Hill of Honor memorial complex in Gyumri, at the burial site of 156 Russian officers killed during Russian-Turkish wars in the 19th century.

“It’s a great honor for me to be here today. I would like to thank the leadership and people of Armenia for commemorating the Russian officers, soldiers and army doctors who were killed during severe battles in the Transcaucasia,” President Medvedev said. “The Hill of Honor will become another symbol of friendly relations between Russia and Armenia, which are strengthening day by day.”

After the opening ceremony, the Presidents planted a fir in the garden nearby the memorial and attended a liturgy in the Russian chapel.