YEAR OF ARMENIA IN RUSSIA IS LANDMARK IN BILATERAL PARTNERSHIP-PM
by Yulia Andreyeva

ITAR-TASS News Agency, Russia
December 2, 2006 Saturday 02:36 PM EST

Year of Armenia in Russia became a landmark in the development
of partnership between the two countries, Armenian Prime Minister
Andranik Markaryan said.

Speaking at a closing ceremony on Saturday, Markaryan said, "It is
very important for Armenians this year to become a real step towards
intensifying partnership with Russia."

In his words, the most numerous Armenian community live in Russia. It
has been forming for centuries, the Armenian prime minister said.

Russian First Vice-Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev stressed that
Year of Armenia in Russia "was an outstanding event that everyone
remember. It logically continues Year of Russia in Armenia on the
Armenian land." In his view, Year of Armenia in Russia "proves of
a high level of partnership between our countries and of ancient
friendly ties between the citizens of Russia and Armenia."

Medvedev noted, "Our peoples show great interest in each other. They
sincerely seek to understand and know each other’s culture better."

He praises the fact that the events of Year of Armenia in Russia took
place in 30 Russian regions. "Residents of different cities will
be able to familiarise themselves with the Armenian culture." The
programme of Year of Armenia in Russia "was worked out with a special
artistic taste. We made sure how the Armenian people is talented and
how it feels art," Medvedev said.

"Based on this humanitarian field we have a vast space for interaction
in developing national languages, exchanging students and just
communicating. Russia and Armenia remain one of the most active and
responsible members of the CIS and other integration associations,"
the Russian first vice-prime minister pointed out.

In addition, Medvedev said there can be Xenophobia in Russian-Armenian
relations. "Russia and Armenia have always understood each other and
preserved a centuries-long experience of tolerant relations."

He noted that in recent years Russia faced Xenophobia. In his
words, "such ideas cannot be supported by the state where over 100
nationalities live. Over centuries we lived in one state. It is not
only a geopolitical moment – we have a common history, joint labour,
and common tests and achievements."

"The fates of Russia and Armenia are closely inter-related," Medvedev
stressed.

At the end of his speech Medvedev spoke the Armenian language that
was welcomed by hot applauses.