Sarkisian and Medvedev during a joint press conference

MOSCOW (ArmRadio)—Russian President Dmitry Medvedev said Monday that Russia intends to continue to contribute to the negotiation process for the resolution of the Karabakh conflict.

Speaking at a press conference following meetings with visiting President Serzh Sarkisian, Medvedev added: “An important topic of negotiations was the reinforcement of stability in the South Caucasus.”

“I personally believe that a fair resolution of the conflict can only be achieved politically,” Medvedev added.

“Russia will continue to support Nagorno Karabakh negotiations as an OSCE Minsk Group co-chairing country and through direct contacts with the leadership of Armenia and Azerbaijan,” added Medvedev.

He stressed that substantial work has been during the past years, adding that “Russia intends to continue to contribute to the negotiation process as Minsk Group co-chairing country and will promote the direct contacts between the leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan.”

Sarkisian praised Medvedev and Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov for their mediation efforts and reiterated Armenia’s willingness to resolving the conflict peacefully.

The Russian leader added that by the end of the year the two countries are expected to reach the pre-crisis level in terms of bilateral economic development.

“Our cooperation in energy, high technology and transport is on the rise, this is a good sign,” explained Medvedev.

He also said that he shared Sarkisian’s opinion that energy projects such as the South Stream gas pipeline and some others should ease tensions in the region and strengthen the partnership.