The Russian Foreign Minister, Igor Ivanov, has said that Russia's growing economic and military ties with Armenia are not directed against any third country but are in the interests of stability in the Caucasus.

Mr Ivanov was speaking after meeting his Armenian counterpart, Vardan Oskanyan, in Moscow to review cooperation between the two countries.

Mr Ivanov said Azerbaijan should use the existing tripartite governmental commission to discuss its fears that Moscow was arming Armenia against it.

Ten days ago the Azeri government said a Russian deal to provide Armenia with anti-aircraft missiles and figther jets was a threat to the region.

The two ministers also said Armenia was prepared to resume talks with Azerbaijan over the disputed territory of Nagorno- Karabakh.