Pashinyan Visits Russia, Meets with Putin, Medvedev

“In general, I want to say that our relations are developing steadily and dynamically. This is due to the fact that Armenia’s economy has been stating good development figures recently. Our economy is developing, too, thanks to the work done within the framework of the Eurasian Economic Union,” Medvedev said.

Pashinyan concurred with the warm sentiments.

Pashinyan and Hakobyan attended a gala concert dedicated to the World Foot Championship in Red Square.

The event was also attended by Putin and several other presidents and heads of government who have arrived in Moscow to attend the opening ceremony of the World Cup.

The next day, the bust of Soviet Union Hero, Marshal of the USSR Armored Troops Hamazasp Babadjanyan was unveiled on June 14 in Moscow’s Central Museum of Great Patriotic War, at a ceremony attended by the Armenian premier.

Pashinyan said he was particularly proud to attend such an important event to pay tribute to Babadjanyan at the museum of Russia’s and Armenia’s shared history – the Central Museum of Great Patriotic War.

“Hamazasp Babadjanyan holds a well-deserved place of its own among the Soviet Union’s brave commanders. All the way through the patriotic war, Babadjanyan led the armored troops across the frontline and was able to liberate numerous cities then under the control of the enemy.

From the Battle of Kursk to the Battle of Berlin, the great son of the Armenian people demonstrated dedication and heroism to become one of the best commanders during the Great Patriotic War. Babadjanyan used to wage war in Suvorov’s style; he beat the enemy down the subtle way rather than by outnumbering the latter,” he said.

“I want to emphasize that the name of Marshal Hamazasp Babadjanyan is engraved in the annals of our people’s history along with the names of other brave warriors who fought for their homeland, who participated in the battles of Bash-Aparan, Sardarabad the centenary of which was marked last month,” Pashinyan added.

The premier noted that the fact of Marshal Babadjanyan’s and Marshal Baghramyan’s busts were unveiled in this museum less than a year apart, showing the intertwined histories of the two peoples.

“The Great Patriotic War was a tough test for the nations of the Soviet Union, including the Armenian people. Every second Armenian soldier, including my grandfather, whose name and last name I bear, did not return from the front. Our duty is to preserve and transmit the story of this indescribable heroism to the younger generations, as well as to do everything possible to ensure our countries’ prosperity. Today’s event is also a tribute to the dear veterans of the Great Patriotic War, as well as the symbol of the Armenian-Russian friendship, mutual assistance and understanding,” Nikol Pashinyan stated.

Sculptor Ashot Tadevosyan created the bust.

While in Moscow, Pashinyan and Hakobyan visited the Prelacy of Holy Transformation Church of Russia and New Nakhichevan Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church in Moscow within the framework of a working visit to Russia. They were welcomed by Archbishop Yezras Nersisyan, Primate of Russia and New Nakhichevan Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church, as well as by numerous representatives of the Armenian community.

Pashinyan called at the Mother Cathedral of the Holy Transformation Church and lit candles. The Prime Minister also toured the Tapan Museum to get acquainted with the Armenian culture and the Armenian Apostolic Church-related exhibits.

Nikol Pashinyan next visited St. Grigor Narekatsi Seminary, which will be operational on the territory of the church complex as early as this September. Up to 200 pupils can study at the Seminary. Prime Minister Pashinyan got acquainted with the conditions and opportunities created in the college. The institution boasts state-of-the-art modern equipment and highly