Russia strengthens contacts with Armenia

ITAR-TASS News Agency
March 21, 2005

MOSCOW, March 21 — Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Armenian
counterpart Robert Kocharyan have exchanged messages on the occasion
of a festival “The Year of the Russian Federation” that opened in
Armenia on Monday,

“Russia invariably attaches great importance to strengthening
of friendly contacts with Armenia – its reliable and strategic
partner,” President Putin said in a message addressed to his Armenian
counterpart. “I am confident that the Year of Russia in Armenia will
promote further rapprochement of the two countries, development of
friendship and a direct dialogue between our people. Events devoted
to the 60th anniversary of victory in World War II are of particular
importance in the program of the festival. That is a tribute paid to
the exploit and heroism of all those who shoulder-to shoulder fought
against fascism,” Putin said in the message.

For his part, the Armenian president said in his message that the
decision to hold the Year of the Russian Federation in Armenia in
2005 offered broad opportunities to develop Russo- Armenian contacts,
promote full realization of the political, economic and cultural
potential in cooperation between the fraternal people. ” I am confident
that the Year of Russia in Armenia will help enrich the agenda of
the Russo- Armenian cooperation with new ideas and projects. Armenia
is very fond of Russia art and it is looking forward to a meeting
with Russian workers of culture, meetings between representatives
of science and education, business communities and regions that are
great practical importance.

The festival “The Year of Russia in Armenia” that coincides with the
celebrations of the 60th anniversary of victory over fascism is of
symbolic significance. This heroic page in our common history linked
the fates of our people and brought them closer together,” President
Kocharyan said in his message.