During the state visit of Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan and Mrs. Rita Sargsyan to the Russian Federation, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev and his spouse Svetlana Medvedeva on October 24 gave a state dinner in honor of S. Sargsyan and his spouse. The Armenian president thanked once again for the warm and cordial reception, expressing satisfaction that the visit became an important manifestation of the sincere interest in strengthening Armenian-Russian friendly relations that have a deep historical basis. “I am grateful to the leadership of the Russian Federation for the practical and constructive mood during our negotiations and for the high opinion and warm words expressed about Armenia and the Armenian people,” Serzh Sargsyan said, underlining that despite all difficulties and hardships, throughout the centuries-old history of Armenian-Russian relations, the relationship between the two nations has always been an example of brotherhood, sincere respect and mutual support. According to Serzh Sargsyan, there are glorious traditions of political, military and humanitarian friendship in historical memory of the two nations. “We must preserve carefully this invaluable heritage and also seek new opportunities for further development of cooperation. I consider this as the basis of interstate relations of Armenia and Russia – the real allied and constructive relations of partnership, which are aimed at prosperity of our countries and peoples in conditions of stability and security,” he stated. Noting that he believes in the prospects and great potential of cooperation of the two countries, Serzh Sargsyan expressed hope that the visit will strengthen even more the general mood to do fruitful work and will open new boundaries of cooperation. “I am sure that by common efforts we will be able to do everything possible to implement the envisaged programs,” the head of the Republic of Armenia said. During the state dinner, Serzh Sargsyan handed Armenia’s highest state award – the Order of Honor to Dmitry Medvedev for strengthening the traditional friendly ties between the peoples of Armenia and Russia, for deepening and extending the allied strategic relations between Armenia and Russia, as well as for Dmitry Medvedev’s great contribution to preservation of peace and international security.

---