Yerevan, August 11, ARMENPRESS: During the meeting between the Presidents of Armenia and Russia Serzh Sargsyan and Vladimir Putin held in Moscow on August 8 the Armenian-Russian strategic partnership and the willingness to strengthen it were highlighted. “Armenpress” talked with the Director of CIS countries Institute Konstantin Zatulin in order to find out the Russian political analysts position on the meeting.

Mr. Zatulin, how do you assess the meeting between the Armenian and Russian Presidents Serzh Sargsyan and Vladimir Putin? Are the expectations formed within the framework of political sphere justified before the meeting of the political leaders?

In my opinion the meeting was very important, although it only lasted hours. At the same time the tradition of friendly, trustworthy relations between the Armenian and Russian leaders reaffirmed. I know that the presidents discussed a wide range of topics, not only on bilateral relations, but also general situation. In fact the meeting took place after President Vladimir Putin returned. The meeting eyewitnesses mention that the conversation created the impression that the presidents were separated only yesterday. There is no doubt that the sequence of the Russian state and public figures’ visits to Armenia, the negotiations between the two countries’ presidents confirm that the relations between Armenia and Russia are at a high level.

How would you evaluate the meeting results in terms of the settlement of Nagorno Karabakh conflict?

I think Nagorno Karabakh issue has been discussed. I assume that the same principles are here. They are talking about the peace process maintaining and tha fact that neither Armenia nor Russia are not interested in armed conflict rehabilitation and intensification. Russia as a Minsk Group co-chair country seeks the peace process of negotiations between the two countries. To my opinion if Baku agrees with this, there should be no problems. We know that recently the tension in NK was increasing, it is not only once to come out of the peace-negotiating process with violation of cease-fire regime. The military exercises to be held in Armenia in September which have its own logic, its own reasons, however, will make impression not only on Armenia, but also other bordering countries.

What will this meeting give the further development of the Armenian-Russian relations? Is it a step forward?

This was a working meeting; it did not imply signing of any important documents, which usually happens during the official visits. During this meeting, as far as I know, issues on the Armenian-Russian economic and political relations were discussed. Further discussion and resolution of issues, including the issue of credits and price of gas are in the agenda. All these issues are the two presidents’ working subject. Armenian-Russian commission is not excluded to be formed in the result of the Armenian-Russian negotiations, not on governmental, but on presidents’ level. All these years there was a Russian-Armenian governmental commission, now there is an idea to increase the level making it a presidential government.