Republican Party of Armenia

 Yerevan Mayor Taron Margaryan who is in Saint Petersburg with an official visit met with the governor of the northern capital of Russia Georgi Poltavchenko in Smolni. First of all Taron Margaryan once again conveyed his and all Yerevanians' condolences to his colleague upon the plane crash at Sinai peninsula which took away the lives of 224 people adding that no human being could feel indifferent to the pain of loss. Expressing gratitude for condolences and support Georgi Poltavchenko in his turn noted that particularly in such situations the sincere treatment of true friends like Yerevan in the person of Mayor Taron Margaryan, is more valuable than simply partnership. Saint Petersburg Governor also expressed for accepting his invitation to visit the city, noting that it is another opportunity to discuss the details of the program of cooperation between the two cities for 2015-2020 signed in April of this year.
''Yerevan for us is not only a reliable and solid partner but also a dear city the cooperation expansion with which is important for us, Mister Mayor. The centuries-old friendship between our people certainly has an important role in our close relationship, and the placement of monument to the eminent son of Armenian people Komitas proves it once again. Komitas is the spiritual symbol of Armenian nation. His contribution to the world cultural heritage is great. The erection of his monument in Petersburg is of great significance for our city. The statue will enrich the beauty of the northern capital. And I am sure, it will become additional stimulus not only for strengthening our cooperation but also for activation of the local Armenian community. I am also sure that you will carry on your consistent activity aimed at effective realization of our cooperation program, so we will be able to implement all the programs we have planned in the agreement'', said Georgi Poltavchenko.
Expressing gratitude for warm welcome and invitation Mayor Taron Margaryan n his turn highly appreciated the efforts of Saint Petersburg Government aimed at the development of bilateral cooperation, adding that the erection of the monument to Komitas Vardapet is another example of effective cooperation .
'' Komitas is of great significance for us, Armenians, and particularly this year, when we mark the Centennial of the Armenia Genocide, one of actual victims was Komitas himself, the opening of his monument is of special importance. And this proves the mutual respect and friendship between our people, and in your person, Mister Governor, we express our deep gratitude to all those who go on contributing to strengthening the cooperation between our cities and countries. Be sure that within my powers I will carry on my efforts aimed at making the relationship between Yerevan and Saint Petersburg tighter and at the realization of the programs for the sake of the welfare of the residents of our two cities'', said Taron Margaryan.