RUSSIAN, ARMENIAN PRESIDENTS HOLD TALKS ON RELATIONS

People’s Daily
April 21 2010
China

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev held talks with his visiting Armenian
counterpart Serzh Sargsyan on Tuesday.

The two leaders in one-on-one talks mainly discussed the
Nagorno-Karabakh issue, bilateral relations, as well as some regional
and international issues, news agencies reported.

Medvedev said the frequent meetings between him and Sargsyan " is
very important for strengthening confidence and mutual understanding,"
and "for strengthening the spirit of strategic partnership."

The Russian leader suggested regular exchange of views between the
two countries on a series of international issues.

Sargsyan thanked Medvedev for launching a research and innovation
center in the Armenian capital of Yerevan. He also said the
intergovernmental commission between the two countries works very
effectively.

The Armenian leader also thanked Russia for providing a loan of 500
million U.S. dollars in 2009, saying his country has already felt
the benefits brought by the loan.

One of these effects was the growth of Armenian economy by 5.5 percent
in first three months this year, he said.

Upon proposal by Russia, Moscow, Yerevan and Baku established a regular
meeting mechanism between leaders of the three countries in Nov. 2008.