MOSCOW, March 15. /TASS/. Moscow wants Armenia to be a stable and independent state and wishes the country success in implementing constitutional reform and conducting parliamentary elections, Russian President Vladimir Putin said in a press statement following his meeting with Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan.
"The visit of [Armenian] President [Serzh] Sargsyan to Moscow comes at a crucial moment for Armenia, as the constitutional reform aimed at turning the country into a parliamentary republic is nearing completion and elections to the National Assembly are coming closer," the Russian leader’s statement reads.
#Kremlin: Meeting with President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan https://t.co/1OF1HoUuJT pic.twitter.com/1YFnc4IO6h
— President of Russia (@KremlinRussia_E) 15 March 2017
According to Putin, "the Armenian authorities are going to great lengths to ensure that the election campaign and the voting are conducted in a free and democratic way." "I would like to wish you success," the Russian president added.
Putin went on to say that "Russia is interested in a stable and independent Armenia that develops rapidly." He noted that relations between the two countries "are truly friendly and allied."
Putin added that Wednesday’s talks with the Armenian president "were held in a meaningful and business-like atmosphere." The parties discussed key matters of bilateral cooperation as well as regional and international issues.
The Russian president pointed out that on April 3, the two countries will mark the 25th anniversary of diplomatic relations. Putin said that "Russia and Armenia seek to facilitate cooperation and comprehensive strategic partnership.".