“Yerevan and Moscow Are United by the Sincere Affection Between Their Peoples,” Zakharova Says

MOSCOW — Yerevan and Moscow are connected by the “special relationship” and “sincere affection” between the peoples of the two countries, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said.

“For us, Armenia is not only a sovereign state—although, of course, it is—but also a country with which we share a special relationship because of our common history and the many things we have in common, including families, projects, trade and intertwined destinies,” Zakharova said.

She added that Moscow had always offered Armenia assistance and support.

“In my opinion, this has been connected not only with geopolitical factors, as diplomats would say, but also with what I would call affection—sincere affection between peoples and cultures and their mutual influence. These are genuine ties,” she said.

“I am not even mentioning how much the Russian president has personally done to stop bloody conflicts, provide assistance during difficult periods and do everything possible to help Armenia develop. A great deal has been accomplished in the economy, energy, industry and other sectors,” Zakharova added.