RUSSIAN PRESIDENT ARRIVED IN ARMENIA – WHAT HAS CHANGED IN THE REGION AFTER THE CAUCASIAN WAR?
By Armen Manvelian

AZG Armenian Daily
22/10/2008

Armenia-Russia

We can write about Armenian-Russian relations long, as they have a
history of centuries and even thousand years. Today it is evident
that Armenians had trade relations with then Kiev Russia. Times
are different but bilateral close economic, political and cultural
relations have always been on high level. Though as sovereign states,
real relations were established only after the collapse of the Soviet
Union and independence of Armenia. That period may be considered as
difficult, especially the first years of 1990s. Today the difficulties
are overcome and bilateral relations are at the highest level during
the all history of relations between the two countries and peoples.

Last year was the 10th anniversary of establishment of military and
friendly relations between the two states.

Consequently, we might count the two-day visit of the Russian President
to Armenia as recurrent one, if not the five-day war in the South
Ossetia that substantially changed the geopolitical balance in the
region. We can unequivocally assert that the Russian President arrives
in a region of a new geopolitical status.

The South Caucasus is no longer the region that was two months ago;
today, new developments take place in the region. Russia tries to
restore its previous influence, and the West, especially the USA
fight against it.

Besides, for Russia the South Caucasus consists of five republics, as
recently Russia recognized Abkhazia and South Ossetia as independent
states. Consequently, Russia deals with the region in the context
of the mentioned developments. Therefore, President Medvedev’s visit
to Armenia aims at not only strengthening of bilateral relations but
also strengthening of the official Moscow’s position in the regional
struggle.

We have already mentioned in our recent issues that after the last
war in the Caucasus, weakening of Georgia’s position has definitely
contributed to strengthening of Armenian position in the region that
in its turn has led to aggravation of struggle between Russia and
the USA for the influences in Armenia. During the last two months,
two big military exercises were held in Armenia. It is explained
by the geopolitical position of our country; for the West Armenia
is an alternative to export the Caspian power-bearing substances,
and for Russia – a strategic ally to keep up its own influence.

Though the South Ossetian war strengthened the Russian position, at the
same time it weakened Russian influence over Georgia. Consequently,
Russia should compensate for it with strengthening of its positions
in Armenia. In this sense, Russia takes a serious step substituting
the political factor of influence with an economic one. During the
last years, Armenian-Russian trade turnover has increased to about
1 billion US dollars. Besides, the presence of the Russian capital
increased here. The volumes of the Russian companies’ investments
increase at high speed leading to deepening and development of
Armenian-Russian bilateral economic relations.

Russia is important to Armenia not only from the aspect of economic
development but also from the aspect of security. Being surrounded
by Turkey and Azerbaijan that are full of enmity, the presence of the
Russian military base in Armenia has a serious role in our country’s
security system.

Anyhow, Russian President’s visit will certainly be a serious stimulus
to subsequent development of Armenian-Russian relations. We welcome
it and hope that it will be a sign of strengthening of bilateral
strategic relations.