Yerevan October 27
Alexander Avanesov. A number of intellectuals of Armenia and Russia call on Russian and Armenian societies establishing a new discussion platform.
In the Statement received by ArmInfo, in particular, it is noted that Russia and Armenia have developed centuries long relations. "During this time, our peoples experienced together the bitterness of losses and the joy of victories. We also had difficult periods of mutual misunderstanding and distrust, fortunately, they were short. But our countries, our peoples always had an ineradicable sense of justice and a desire to preserve peace and trust.
This is all the more relevant now, when in international relations signs of instability, intolerance and unpredictability are growing, many regional conflicts are becoming aggravated and hardening ", the message says. The document also notes that both Russia and Armenia must be strong in order to overcome external and internal challenges to their sustainable development. It is not by chance that at all stages of independence Russia and Armenia supported each other, which is confirmed by joint participation in the CIS, the Eurasian Economic Union and the Collective Security Treaty Organization. In such a situation, only joint, bilateral and multilateral actions can be productive. "However, this is not enough, especially now. It is vitally important to establish and maintain informal contacts between representatives of both states from the most diverse sectors of scientific, cultural, government and social activities, as well as business structures. The more extensive and regular such contacts are, the higher will be the level of mutual trust between the public and state organizations of Russia and Armenia, the societies of our countries. As an informal, free and permanent platform for meetings and exchange of views, we, as representatives of different field of the socio-political, economic and cultural life of Russia and Armenia, are taking the initiative to set up a new discussion platform for deepening the dialogue between our civil societies. We suggest calling it the "Lazarev Club" in the name of Armenian benefactors Lazarevs, the founders of the Lazarev Institute of Oriental Languages in Russia, which became the forerunner of the Institute of Asian and African Countries at Moscow State University and of the Moscow State Institute of Foreign Affairs of Russia) ", the statement reads.
The Club is expected to become a voluntary association of citizens of Russia and Armenia who will work jointly to support the Russian-Armenian public dialogue at various levels, establish, maintain and strengthen working, business and scientific contacts, encouraging interaction and mutual enrichment of the cultures of our peoples. It is also planned to carry out joint public-political initiatives and projects, freely share private and expert opinions on the most pressing issues of bilateral relations, conduct expert and analytical assessments of the state and prospects for the development of bilateral and multilateral relations in the Caucasus region. The club's task will also include holding collective meetings of club members to discuss topical issues of regional and global politics, economics, issues of history and culture, meetings of bilateral working groups, joint participation in scientific, social and cultural events organized by partner organizations concerning relations between Armenia and Russia, bringing the results of joint research, appeals and proposals to the highest level of executive and legislative power of both states, leadership of leading international organizations.
"Lazarev Club" will conduct its work publicly and openly, by organizing meetings, "round tables" and public hearings in Russia and Armenia. We hope that the meetings in the Club will help form a positive attitude for further constructive work to strengthen mutual trust and allied cooperation for the benefit of the peoples of our countries, in the interests of ensuring security and stability throughout the Greater Caucasus region.
The Russian-Armenian Lazarev Club is open for cooperation in the interest of fostering dialogue, developing and strengthening people's diplomacy for the benefit of the peoples of Armenia and Russia, both with state and public organizations and with private individuals, the message reads. The statement was signed by the Head of the Board of Directors of the AVILON Group of Companies Kamo Avagumyan, journalist Roman Babayan, public figure Zori Balayan, deputy of the National Assembly Artashes Geghamyan, State Duma MP Konstantin Zatulin, Ambassador of the Russian Federation Vladimir Kazimirov, President of the Tashir Group of Companies Samvel Karapetyan, Chairman of the Public Council of Armenia Vazgen Manukyan, Member of the Council of Federations Nikolay Ryzhkov, State Duma Deputy Vyacheslav Nikonov, State Duma Deputy Artur Chilingarov, Director General of the Mosfilm Studio Karen Shakhnazarov and others.