Russia: Armenia strategic partner in South Caucasus

Russian Foreign Ministry has said that Armenia is one of Moscow’s closest allies and a strategic partner in the South Caucasus.

The ministry made the remarks in a statement on the occasion of the 26th anniversary of the signing of the bilateral Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation and Mutual Assistance, Caliber.Az reports.

"On this day in 1997, the Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation and Mutual Assistance between Russia and Armenia was signed. The document marked the beginning of the modern stage of interstate ties. Armenia and Russia agreed to fully strengthen the traditional relations of friendship and comprehensive cooperation in political, economic, military, scientific, cultural and other spheres. The countries also pledged to cooperate in enhancing stability and security both in the South Caucasus and worldwide. The signing of the agreement has created conditions for the expansion of the Russian-Armenian political dialogue, building up bilateral cooperation in trade-economic, scientific-technical, humanitarian and other spheres," the statement reads.

Later, as the statement added, the legal base of bilateral relations expanded to 200 documents, and systematic work on their inventory is underway.

The Foreign Ministry noted that the Russian-Armenian relations continue to develop on the principles enshrined in the 1997 agreement.

“Among them are mutual respect for state sovereignty and independence, equality and non-interference in each other's internal affairs, non-use of force or threat of use of force,” the statement finalised.