SARGSYAN, MEDVEDEV PARTICIPATE IN OPENING OF RUSSIA’S SQUARE IN YEREVAN

ARKA
Oct 21, 2008

YEREVAN, October 21. /ARKA/. Russian President Dmitry Medvedev and
his Armenian counterpart Serzh Sargsyan participated today in the
opening ceremony of the Square of Russia in downtown Yerevan.

"I am sincerely happy to be in Armenia again and to open with you
a new square in Yerevan," Medvedev said, adding this landmark event
testifies to sincere friendship between Armenian and Russian people.

The Russian president expressed his gratitude for opening the Square
of Russia in the heart of Yerevan, saying Armenia gives honor to
democratic Russia and the centuries-old friendship of both nations.

Medvedev said Russian people also trust and respect Armenians. "We
highly appreciate Armenian-Russian friendly relations," the president
said, vowing staunch support to strategy partnership, cultural and
humanitarian projects.

To establish closer relations, Armenia and Russia must boost bilateral
cooperation and try to meet together global and regional challenges,
according to Medvedev.

The Russian leader stressed the importance of coordinating steps in
the world arena to ensure stability in the region.

"Dear friends, good old neighbors always rejoice at each others’
success, and we are happy to see Armenia prospering every day,"
Medvedev said, underlining Armenia’s progress in the past ten
years. "We are interested in an economically robust, prosperous and
strong Armenia," the president added.

The Russian president said he believes Armenia also wishes Russia well.

"Making progress, we guarantee effective cooperation for both the
welfare of both nations," Medvedev said, adding both countries have
a political will and desire for boosting business relations and help
each other.

The Russian leader said he enjoys the sunny autumn of Armenia and
the warm welcome of Armenian people.

This is Medvedev’s fist two-day official visit to Armenia. The Russian
president arrived in Yerevan on Moday.