Russia's main interest in the region in stabilityJune 22, 2009 - 14:42 AMT 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. Top stories Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev arrived in Moscow on April 22 to hold talks with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. 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". Partner news | Your home is in Armenia – Ameriabank offers mortgage loans for the Diaspora To buy real estate, Diasporans can apply to Ameriabank online to buy, renovate or build a home anywhere in Armenia. Armenia-Qatar ties discussed in Doha The Secretary of Armenia’s Security Council met with the Deputy Secretary General of the National Security Council of Qatar. ARARAT special evening dedicated to Aznavour's 100th Anniv. On May 20 ARARAT legendary Armenian brandy, celebrated the centennial of Maestro Charles Aznavour with a special event. Surveying works underway in Armenia’s Kirants Surveying works are underway in the Armenian village of Kirants in the northern Tavush province. |