The youth of Armenia and Russia should play a key role in the development of relations between the two countries: Zakharova

The youth of Armenia and Russia can play a huge role in the development of bilateral relations. This was stated by Maria Zakharova, the official representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry, during a briefing.

She noted that she would not consider this issue solely through the prism of nationality: “I would not divide it by nationality, since both Armenian and Russian youth can play a role in the development of bilateral relations. So let’s talk about the youth of the two countries.”

Zakharova added that young people can become supporters of peaceful coexistence, friendship, and the development of the closest possible relations between Armenia and Russia. According to her, the foundation for such relations is laid by centuries‑old history, cultural affinity, as well as shared traditional values and the similarity of religious views.

Zakharova emphasized Russia’s role in resolving bloody conflicts that claimed the lives of Armenian citizens: “We must remember this, and young people should also know and remember it.” She also recalled the Russian military personnel who fulfilled their military duty. According to the diplomat, an important modern foundation of Armenian‑Russian relations is the numerous families formed by representatives of the two countries.

“These are thousands and thousands of people, if not hundreds of thousands or even more, who cannot, do not want to, and are not going to say that one country is less important to them and another country is more important,” she said, adding that for many young people, the question of choosing between Armenia and Russia is artificial, since their families, cultural ties, and personal history are closely connected with both countries.

“We need to develop the best possible relations, in the highest sense of the word, across all areas,” she emphasized, adding that the deterioration of relations between the two countries is not in the interests of young people, since it is the current generation that will have to live in the conditions that are taking shape today.

“Young people can participate in strengthening Armenian‑Russian ties in a variety of ways, through social media, business, public activities, starting families, politics, diplomacy, and journalism. What the relations will be like is what the future of today’s young people will be like. Under these circumstances, in this atmosphere, they will live, their children will live, and future generations will live,” the diplomat concluded.