Honourable President of the Republic of Armenia,

Dear Sergey Viktorovich,

Dear friends,

It is a great honour for us, in the presence of the President of the Republic, to announce together with my Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov the opening of historical documentary exhibition "Armenia-Russia: Friendship, Forged Over Centuries", dedicated to the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between our countries.

Our peoples are binded by many deep rooted ties and truly friendly feelings that have always been the defining feature of our contacts. That is the solid foundation on which the multifaceted relations between Armenia and Russia are built.

The testimonies of presence of the Armenians in Russia date back to the 11th century, and the Russian and Novo-Nakhichevan diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church was founded 300 years ago.

We remember the heroic pages of common annals of our history, the dramatic challenges and victories. Our peoples sacrificed the lives of many of their sons on the altar of these victories, having strengthened our relations with blood ties. We know well the names of outstanding sons of Armenia and Russia, who, through their loyalty to the brotherhood of our peoples, have multiplied the traditions of Armenian-Russian friendship.

The establishment of diplomatic relations has opened a new page in modern history and in the centuries-old friendly relations of the brotherly peoples of our countries, which passed the test of time.

Today, the Armenian-Russian allied strategic partnership is one of the most successful and effective in the post-Soviet space.

The scope and depth of our relations speak for themselves.

We have an intensive political dialogue at the highest level. Over the past 10 years, more than 100 meetings have taken place between the leaders of our countries. It is an impressive figure. Although it is natural for allied countries.

The heads of our states give impetus to our bilateral cooperation, determine the strategic directions for the implementation of our joint efforts.

There is a solid legal framework between our countries: we have more than 200 treaties and agreements signed.

There is an effective and coordinated collaboration between Foreign Ministries, constructive interaction on international platforms.

We have developed a close cooperation in security and military-technical areas.

We have intensive links established between the Governments, Parliaments and other agencies of the two countries.

Russia is the most important trade and economic partner of Armenia. Russian investments have exceeded $3 billion, with more than 2,000 companies with Russian capital operating in Armenia. An effective cooperation in energy, including nuclear, transport, mining, innovative technologies and many other areas is developing. We have signed the long-term programme of economic cooperation until 2020, which testifies to the exceptional, future-oriented nature of our economic relations. Joining the EAEU provided Armenia with additional opportunities for economic cooperation.

Strong partnerships are being developed between 70 regions of Russia and marzes of Armenia; regular interregional forums are being held and a Prospective programme for decentralized cooperation for 2016-2021 has been signed.

We attach great importance to the humanitarian cooperation. Particular attention is paid to cultural and educational ties.

The large Armenian community of Russia has a tremendous contribution to the strengthening of ties between our countries.

We highly appreciate Russia's mediatory efforts in the peaceful settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, including as the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chair.

This exhibition tells about all this. I would like to thank all the organisers of the exhibition, who managed through a retrospective look to present the history of past 25 years of the glorious connections of the Armenian-Russian friendship which has stood the test of time, which we must preserve, develop and strengthen.

Dear Mr. Lavrov, I give the floor to you.