ARMENIA BECOMES FINAL POINT IN ANATOLY DRYUKOV’S DIPLOMATIC CAREER

YEREVAN, APRIL 8, NOYAN TAPAN. Russia’s Ambassador Extraordinary
and Plenipotentiary to Armenia Anatoly Dryukov has completed his
mission in Armenia and his state service as well. “Armenia is the
final point in my diplomatic career. I am submitting a resigantion
application,” the Russian ambassador stated at the April 8 press
conference in Yerevan, noting that 45 years of his life have been
devoted to diplomacy. Anatoly Dryukov as the RF Ambassador to Armenia
will be replaced by Nikolai Pavlov who has held various diplomatic
positions, including the post of the RF Ambassador Extraordinary
and Plenipotentiary to Mongolia, and Ambassador at Large of the
RF MFA. Summarizing the results of his over 6 years’ tenure in
Armenia, Anatoly Dryukov underlined that he is fully satisfied with
the level of political interaction between the Russian and Armenian
leaderships. He denied the opinion that there has been a decline in the
Russian-Armenian relations. According to him, it would be completely
wrong to divide the world and Russia into separate poles at a time when
various integration processes are taking place in the world. He called
“stupid” the assertion that relations between Armenia and Russis have a
vassal character. “Some political circles are using such statements in
their own interests,” the ambassador stated. According to him, politics
are the ability to achieve a compromise without losing one’s principal
positions. Anatoly Dryukov pointed out the military and military
technical cooperation, economy, trade, science and culture as spheres
of successful cooperation. He said that Russia has invested about 300
mln USD in the Armenian economy, with the energy and banking spheres
being the most important investment spheres. The Russian capital, for
example, accounts for about a third of the overall banking capital
of Armenia. A. Dryukov noted that the opening of the ferry link
Kavkaz-Poti with internal Russian tariffs operating for Armenia has
contributed to the development of trade relations. He indicated the
restoration of cultural and scientific links, which is also evidenced
by holding Year of Russia in Armenia. Anatoly Dryukov considered the
Russian President Vladimir Putin’s two visits to Armenia to be special
success of his mission since important agreements were reached during
these visits. “I am leaving in Armenia my love and respect for the
Armenian people. I am convinced Armenia will occupy its deserving
place among the nations of the world,” Anatoly Dryukov said.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress