The Armenian-Russian intergovernmental commission is to hold its maiden meeting this autumn, Russian President Vladimir Putin said at a meeting with his Armenian counterpart Serzh Sargsyan.

The task of the Russian and Armenian partners’ meeting is planned development of bilateral economic relations until 2020 and creating a roadmap, the Russian leader said.

Russian Minister of Transport Maxim Sokolov is to head the Russian delegation.

Last year, Russian-Armenian trade turnover totaled $1bn. In the first half of this year, the bilateral turnover showed a 32% increase as compared with the first half of last year.

Also, Armenian guest workers in Russia bring up to $1bn to their families in Armenia every year, which is an essential part of Armenia’s GDP.

Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan pointed out that $1bn is not the limit for bilateral trade turnover.

“We can double or even triple our trade turnover during the next two or three years,” the Armenian leader said.

President Serzh Sargsyan also pointed out successful military and technical cooperation.

“We have extended the Russian military base’s presence in Armenia. We believe it meets our security interests,” he said.
Armenia is to host CSTO maneuvers this autumn.