Russia is interested in normalization of the Armenian-Turkish relations, said Sergei Karaganov, chairman of the presidium of the council for foreign policy and defense.

He voiced hope that cooperation between the two states can ensure stability in the region. "Hostility between Armenia and Turkey has always been a factor influencing the world policy. This presidential meeting is a historical event, which means that the ice has been broken," he told the Echo of Moscow.

"It's evident that the two countries are trying to reconcile because they feel the necessity to unite to face new challenges and regional instability," he said.

Turkey's President Abdullah Gul was in Yerevan on Sept. 6 to watch a World Cup qualifier between the Armenian and Turkish national teams. Before the match, the heads of state discussed possibilities to normalize bilateral relations.