YEREVAN, DECEMBER 5, NOYAN TAPAN - ARMENIANS TODAY. The Year of Armenia in Russia started a year ago was officially completed with events held in Moscow and Saint Petersburg on December 1 and 2. The governmental delegation headed by RA Prime Minister Andranik Margarian also participated in them. Vigen Sargsian, the RA President's Advisor, the coordinator of the Year of Armenia in Russia stated about it at the December 4 press conference. In his words, the RA and RF Prime Ministers' meeting took place in Moscow on December 1. The "ArArAt" legends' evening was held in the "Hayastan" (Armenia) pavilion of the All-Russian Exhibition Center on the same evening. Events were already continued on December 2 in Saint Petersburg: a constant exhibition entitled "History and Culture of Armenia" opened at the Hermitage. And later the final gala concert of the Year took place at the Throne Hall of the Catherine Palace, with the participation of the State Chamber Orchestra and Choir of Armenia. Vigen Sargsian mentioned that the Year of Armenia in Russia was held at a proper level and positive spurs were created for future cooperation of political, economic and cultural spheres. In words of the President's Advisor, the first most important meaning is that a huge information about Armenia was spread in Russia during this one year. "It is necessary to mention that though Armenians lived in the USSR structure, but many people do not know who the Armenians are and where Armenia is, especially today's young generation," V.Sargsian emphasized. He also mentioned that 320 events, including exhibitions, concerts, festivals, conferences, took place in 60 cities of Russia during the year. In Vigen Sargsian's words, cultural ties lost already long ago were re-established owing to many events held in Russian cities. And owing to cultural events held in regions of Russia, in which Armenian businessmen also took part, an economic cooperation started results of which will be known the next year, in the indexes of goods circulation. Besides, V.Sargsian informed journalists that about 400 thousand dollars envisaged by the state budget for holding the Year of Armenia in Russia were not spent. The Yerevan "Ararat" brandy factory, "Tashir" group and "Armavia" air company undertook all the necessary expenses. In words of the President's Advisor, the economized money will be returned the state budget, and, perhaps, it will be allocated to events of the Year of Armenia to France.

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