EREVAN, June 7 (HS/RIA Novosti) - Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan on Sunday expressed hope to discuss issues in relations with Russia in a calm and constructive atmosphere, stating that the bilateral relationship needs to be improved.

Armenian-Russian relations require a certain improvement. We hope that, especially after the elections [in Armenia on June 7], we will be able to improve these relations with our Russian partners in a healthy, constructive atmosphere, discuss existing problems that arise in any bilateral relations, and find solutions beneficial to both Armenia and Russia, Mirzoyan told reporters.

There are no grounds for strained relations between the two countries, the minister said. At the same time, he added that the parties should mutually respect sovereignty and the right to make independent decisions.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Indrani Sarkar