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The settlement of the issue of the Russia-based Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) secretary general should not affect the efficiency of the structure, moreover, it should further strengthen the organization, Russian Ambassador to Armenia Sergey Kopirkin told a news conference in Yerevan on Tuesday.

He stressed that he is not free to comment on the issue since he is not the Russian representative to the CSTO.

“I believe, Russia’s stance [on the issue] stems from the basic interest of strengthening the organization. All the member states should be interested in resolving the problem in a way not to affect the CSTO efficiency, but rather to enhance it,” he said.

Separately, speaking about the Russian soft power in Armenia, the envoy stressed it is based on the ties that have united the Armenian and Russian peoples for centuries – the religious and cultural similarities, close human relationships that form a strong foundation for interstate relations between the two countries.

“But it isn’t enough. We proceed from the fact that the soft power should be exercised in our work with civil society,” the ambassador said, stressing the need for active work in the information sector.

He also highlighted the more comprehensive cooperation of the two states in education and culture. “Much work is being done, but we shouldn’t be satisfied with what we have,” the diplomat said, unveiling the Russian embassy’s inclination toward taking the Armenian-Russian relations to a new level.

Kopirkin also stressed the importance of Armenia’s growing tourist attraction, with the country named as the most popular destination among Russian tourists during the New Year celebrations.

“It will contribute to the enhancement of mutual understanding between the two nations as well as the improvement of the social and economic situation in Armenia,” he said.

Presenting the embassy’s upcoming activities, the diplomat unveiled plans to boost the youth exchange programs.