During his state visit to the Russian Federation, Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan met on October 25 with Chairperson of the Federation Council Ms. Valentina Matvienko and Chairman of the State Duma Boris Gryzlov. At the beginning of his meeting with Valentina Matvienko, Serzh Sargsyan congratulated V. Matvienko on her election as chairperson of the Federation Council and wished her success in her activities in that high post. It was mentioned at the meetings with the chairpersons of two chambers of the Russian parliament that the state visit of Serzh Sargsyan to Russia was quite efficient, with a number of documents being signed concerning further development and extension of Armenian-Russian cooperation in various spheres. In the words of the sides, these documents open new prospects for strengthening bilateral ties as much as possible. According to the sides, the close relations and cooperation between the two strategic partner states in the political, economic, military, and humanitarian spheres are in keeping with the spirit of centuries-old friendship between the peoples of Armenia and Russia. Serzh Sargsyan attached importance to cooperation between the National Assembly of Armenia and the two chambers of the Russian parliament. He thanked the inter-parliamentary commission and its co-chairmen, including Nikolai Ryzhkov who was present at the meeting, for their efficient work and great contribution to the strengthening of friendly Armenian-Russian ties. In the light of actively developing cooperation between the two parliaments, the sides underlined the importance of their cooperation in international structures, particularly, within the framework of parliamentary assemblies. The interlocutors expressed satisfaction at the development of inter-regional cooperation, noting the broadening cooperation between Armenian marzes (provinces) and Russian regions. The participants of the meeting considered it necessary to use this potential for further strengthening of bilateral ties. They stressed the role of the Armenian community of Russia in the development of relations between the two countries. During his state visit, Serzh Sargsyan will also meet with Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin and Mayor of Moscow Sergei Sobyanin.

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