The relations between Armenia and Russia are on firm basis

YEREVAN, AUGUST 17, ARMENPRESS: The relations between Armenia and Russia are on firm basis, Eduard Sharmazanov, secretary of the Armenian Republican Party’s parliamentary faction, said today at a news conference, adding that the bright testimony of it is the coming three-day visit of the Russian President Dmitry Medvedev to Armenia. He said within the framework of the visit the most significant will be the steps directed toward boosting military-political and economic cooperation. Sharmazanov noted that the signing of the agreement on prolonging the location of Russian military base in Gyumri as well as the change of the functions of the base are also very important.

“The Republican party is national conservative party and as such it gives a great room to the national security as without strong, innovated security it is impossible to ensure the development of other spheres,” Sharmazanov said. According to him, in this respect the expansion of the Armenia-Russia cooperation is very important. The more consolidation of military-political relations with Russia is one of the elements of national security. He said the policy of the Armenian authorities is justified and it stems from the national and state interests.

“Person more or less aware of geo-political developments must know quite well that for having consolidated, strong national security in the 21st century it is necessary for the state to be in this or that military-political block,” Sharmazanov said.

He reminded that Armenia strengthens its relations not only with Russia, it has good relations with the USA, the Armenian Armed Forces are cooperating with NATO. Sharmazanov said that the multi-vector initiative policy of the Armenian president gives its positive fruits.

Referring to the unofficial summit of the CSTO, Sharmazanov noted that it speaks about the increase of the regional role of Yerevan.

“Important agreements were signed within the framework of the CSTO, particularly connected with the creation of operative response forces. It was not accidental that the CSTO Secretary General Nikolay Bordyuzha noted that Armenia is the locomotive of that organization. I think that in the near future Armenia will continue the cooperation within the framework of the organization. The Armenian president as a hosting side, will once again present Armenia’s position connected with the regional security.