IMPROVEMENT IS REGISTERED IN ARMENIAN-RUSSIAN RELATIONS, RF FIRST DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER STATES

Noyan Tapan
Apr 11 2007

YEREVAN, APRIL 11, NOYAN TAPAN. Some improvement is registered in
Armenian-Russian bilateral relations. RF First Deputy Prime Minister
Sergei Ivanov reported this at the April 11 press briefing. In his
words, the evidence of this is growth of trade circulation between
the two countries reaching 70-80% in the recent period. Besides,
Russia takes the first place by the volume of investments made in
Armenia’s economy. In S. Ivanov’s words, it is gladdening that growth
of those investments is made not only at the expense of "ethnic"
capital, but also purely Russian capital. The investments were mainly
made in spheres of energy (including nuclear energy), transport,
telecommunication (including sphere of mobile communication).

RA Prime Minister Serge Sargsian stated that the volume of trade
circulation between the two countries in the recent years is not
sufficient, which was conditioned by transport problems. The Prime
Minister said that this problem has been already solved: Port-Kavkaz
ferry communication was launched on April 10.

In S. Ivanov’s words, ferry communication to some extent will soften
Armenia’s transport blockade. Besides, it is planned to launch the
second ferry at the end of the year. There are also joint programs
regarding railway communication.

In response to the question, whether Serge Sargsian’s appointment to
the post of Prime Minister will give a new stimulus to development of
relations between the two countries, S. Ivanov said: "I have known
Serge Sargsian for a long time, more exactly, from the previous
century." In his words, not only good practical, but also personal
relations were formed in this period, which permits to solve many
prolems openly, freely, without diplomatic procedures. "I am sure
that our relations will continue developing as before," he said.

Touching upon his statement voiced during his interview to
Financial Times newspaper lately that the South Caucasus does
not need NATO bases, S. Sargsian explained: "I think creation of
additional separating lines will add nothing in the structure of our
security. Besides, Russia is reducing its presence in the region."