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“We are glad that the foreign minister of Armenia is paying his first visit to the Russian Federation in this position," Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said at a meeting with his Armenian counterpart Ara Ayvazian who is in Moscow on a working visit on December 6-7.

Lavrov first offered his condolences on the 32nd anniversary of the Spitak earthquake.

"We are now coming out of the hot phase of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. I would like to highlight the importance of the joint statement of the leaders of Armenia, Russia and Azerbaijan which everyone has to acknowledge today," Lavrov said.

The top Russian diplomat noted that the statement stopped the war and ensured the return of refugees to their homes, as well as economic recovery, resolution of humanitarian issues and unblocking of all means of communication, which create real conditions for transforming the South Caucasus to a region of stability and prosperity.

"Russian peacekeepers are actively cooperating with the local population in the area of their responsibility, facilitating the return of refugees, providing medical assistance to the people of Nagorno-Karabakh and resolving other humanitarian issues," Lavrov said.

He said that a humanitarian aid center is being established in close cooperation with Armenia and Azerbaijan.

"We support the activities of international organizations, which are ready to use their resources, experience and potential to restore peace," the Russian official said.

Lavrov stressed that the most important issue is the exchange of prisoners of war (POWs).

"Through our peacekeepers, we will make every effort to facilitate its quickest possible implementation. We know how painful this issue is for the relatives and friends of the POWs. The exchange of the bodies of victims is also a very sensitive part of the problem, and it’s important to resolve it as soon as possible," Lavrov said.

The Russian diplomat said the November 9 statement, bilateral and allied relations, issues of regional and international agenda would be discussed with his Armenian counterpart.