YEREVAN, MARCH 16, ARMENPRESS. Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov announced that Moscow is ready to assist Armenia-Turkey negotiations when they launch and would welcome, in particular, the opening of Armenian-Turkish border, Lavrov said in an interview with Regional Post-Caucasus, RIA Novosti reported.

The Russian FM stated that Russia played a key role in resumption of dialogue between Armenia and Turkey in 2007-2009, but later the normalization process of relations ceased.

“However it is very important that the sides demonstrated an ability to come to an agreement and make serious, responsible decisions. I am convinced that Armenia and Turkey are able to settle the existing problems. Moreover, much depends on both sides as the quality of political figures is decided by their deep realistic analysis of objective difficulties, as well as by the ability to be optimistic in order to make the hopes and expectations of their citizens come true. When Yerevan and Ankara sit around negotiation table, Russia is ready to show the most active support to both sides”, Lavrov said.

“Of course, we would only welcome that the Armenian-Turkish border was open for free movement of people, goods and services. This will definitely benefit the entire region”, the Russian FM said.