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Russia is working to expand its consular presence in Armenia and Azerbaijan, which are friendly countries, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin told TASS on Saturday.

"The issue of expanding our consular presence in Azerbaijan and Armenia is under consideration," the deputy minister said. “What makes the diplomatic work in the CIS countries so special is, first of all, the fact that these are friendly countries with which we are united by centuries-old common history, deep understanding of each other's traditions, culture and the Russian language."

In Galuzin's words, it is more comfortable to work in such an atmosphere than where “Russophobia and distrust of Russian diplomats prevail.”

"The result of this is the growing dynamics of bilateral relations. We have an exceptionally rich agenda covering a wide range of areas," the senior diplomat noted. “Thousands of mutually beneficial projects, defense and security commitments, cultural dialogue, developed trade and economic relations and tourism contribute to rapprochement. All this increases the workload of diplomats and requires the expansion of diplomatic missions.”