Relationship with CIS countries is the most important foreign-policy priority for Russia

PanARMENIAN.Net - Relationship with CIS countries is the most important foreign-policy priority for Russia, told



Russian President Dmitry Medvedev during the meeting with Farit Mukhametshin, head of the Federal Agency for CIS affaires, counterparts living abroad, and international humanitarian cooperation, Kremlin press office reports.



"Unfortunately, not always that priority is placed in the forefront, and that was the reason of establishing the new Federal Agency for CIS affaires ," Mr.Medvedev said.



He stressed, that Russian scientific and cultural centers, especially in CIS countries, must have qualified personnel. "Many countries are very active in post-Soviet space, they do not spare efforts and resources in order to finance the presence of their personnel in other countries, " Medvedev said.



"We should be very attentive to these issues, since these are not some countries at a distance , these are our close neighbors, we have had a common past with them, I hope we will have a common future," stressed the president of Russia.



In his turn Farit Mukhametshin noted, that the Federal Agency for CIS affaires "today shows its need" and perceived by foreign partners as one more affirmation, that "CIS space is prior for Russia".



This year Russian centers have already been opened in Kishinev (Moldavia), Baku (Azerbaijan), Yerevan (Armenia) with support of RF ministry of foreign affairs, Mukhametshin said. On June 9 intergovernmental agreement will be signed with Belorussia and a new center will open its doors in Minsk.