YEREVAN (Noyan Tapan)–Head of the Presidential Staff–Secretary of the Presidential National Security Council of Armenia Serge Sargssian and Secretary of the Security Council of the Russian Federation Sergey Ivanov signed a protocol on cooperation between the two countries’ security councils February 3. Attending the signing ceremony were Minister of Defense Vaharshak Haroutiunian–Minister of the Interior Haik Haroutiunian–Foreign Minister Vardan Oskanian–Russian Ambassador to Armenia Anatoly Dryukov–and other officials.
Ivanov pointed out that the Council of Europe of the Russian Federation deals with the problems of defense–coordination of special services’ activities–and health and nature protection. He said that the Russian Security Council is willing to cooperate with the National Security Council of Armenia in all the aforementioned spheres.
Asked about the reason for the visits of the Russian interior minister–secretary of the Russian Security Council and the coming visit of the head of the Russian Federal Frontier Service–Ivanov said that it is a mere coincidence–but also a symbol testifying to Russia’s willingness to develop strategic relations and partnership with Armenia.
Ivanov pointed out that in accordance with the statement made by Russia’s Acting President Vladimir Putin at the recent meeting of the CIS Heads of State in Moscow–Russia will pay primary attention to the cooperation with the CIS countries. Ivanov said that it is his first official visit to Armenia as Secretary of the Security Council. The goal of the visit is to specify the issues of mutual interest and strengthen cooperation in different fields.