YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 11, ARMENPRESS. Russia is ready to contribute to the normalization of relations between Armenia and Turkey, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov told reporters at a joint press conference with his Armenian counterpart Zohrab Mnatsakanyan in Yerevan.

“We are not talking about any rapprochement or warming, when we have neighbours that are given by history and geography.  We develop relations with all and each of them. This is true in terms of all our partners in the CSTO, CIS, EAEU, in terms of countries such as Turkey, Iran, and the eastern European countries. We want to have normal relations with all. And we assist in overcoming the existing problems between Armenia and Turkey with all means. In 2010 we contributed to the signing of the Zurich Protocols in the most active way”, Lavrov said, expressing regret over the fate of these Protocols.

“We continue to be ready. But this requires the interest of the two sides. We are ready to use our opportunities to move forward the normalization of relations between Armenia and Turkey. We absolutely do not see a reason to suppose that someone will start a war between these countries, but in any case our entire policy is based on establishing peace, co-existence and mutually beneficial cooperation here”, the Russian minister said.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov arrived in Armenia on an official visit on November 10-11. He already met with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan.

Edited and translated by Aneta Harutyunyan