ARMENIAN, RUSSIAN PRIME MINISTER DISCUSS A WIDE VARIETY OF ISSUES
MOSCOW, JULY 14, ARMENPRESS: An Armenian delegation, headed by
prime Minister Andranik Margarian that arrived in Moscow on July 12
afternoon on a two-day official visit, laid a wreath on July 13
morning at the Monument toUnknown Soldier, followed by a meeting of
Russian and Armenian prime ministers at the Russian Government. Later
members of Russian and Armenian delegations joined the bilateral
talks.
Prime Minister Andranik Margarian first extended his
congratulations to his Russian counterpart-Mikhail Fradkov, for the
invitation to visit Moscow. Noting that the talks between the two
countries’ delegations usually proceed in the atmosphere of
friendship, frankness and constructiveness, the head of the Armenian
government assured of Armenia government’s readiness to continue
development and strengthening of cooperation between the executive
bodies of the two countries . Andranik Margarian expressed hope that
the friendly relations between the prime ministers of the countries,
both on personal and official levels, will continue with Mikhail
Fradkov as well.
Armenian prime minister expressed his satisfaction over high level
Armenia-Russian cooperation in all areas. According to him, Russia
continues to remain Armenia’s biggest trade and economic partner,
which is promoted alsoby the work of the joint Russian-Armenian
intergovernmental commission for economic cooperation. Margarian
expressed hope that the appointment of a new Russian co-chair of the
commission and its regular meeting will promote coordination and quick
solution to all existing problems in bilateral cooperation.
During the talks the two sides discussed a wide variety of issues,
referring also to the pace of implementation of obligations, set by
the Assets for Debt agreement. Andranik Margarian noted that Armenia
is interested in rapid upgrading and resumption of operation of
enterprises handed over to Russia (to settle Armenia’s $96 million
debt), adding that Armenia is doing everythingto promote it. Russian
prime minister also assured that Russia is likewise interested in this
issue, noting that they are inclined towards a broad andlong-term
interaction in the industrial area through mutually profitable
investments and other means. Mikhail Fradkov informed about the
intention of appointing Russian transport minister Igor Levitin a new
Russian co-chairman in the intergovernmental commission for economic
cooperation. The sides expressed hope that a regular meeting of the
commission will be held before the end of the year.
Russian and Armenian prime ministers discussed also prospects for
deepening cooperation in the area of small and medium-sized
enterprises. Establishment of joint ventures, attraction of Russian
investments in Armenia’s food processing industry, increasing the
volume of agricultural products exportsand imports was mentioned as a
key condition for interaction in agriculture.
A special focus in the talks was on the issues on developing
cooperation in transport and communication. The two sides underscored
that currently there exist a range of unresolved questions, which
impede interaction developments between the sides. Particulalry,
Armenia’s involvement in North-South transport corridor, opening of a
railway ferry line Kavkaz-Poti, the necessity of reopening the
Abkhazia section of the railway were mentioned.
Andranik Margarian and Mikhail Fradkov also referred to one of
themajor directions in bilateral economic cooperation-energy sector
and interaction in gas industry. Armenian prime minister proposed to
discuss possibilities of participation of Russian companies in the
implementation of Armenian gas projects. They also spoke about the
future operation of the fifth unit of Hrazdan Power Plant in Armenia.
Speaking about education and science cooperation, the sides noted,
particulalry the necessity of establishing close cooperation between
the two countries in fundamental and applied researches, information
technologies and establishment of cultural and research centers. The
talks also dwelt on establishing closer contacts between
administrative units of Russia and Armenia, development of cooperation
in military-political, military-technical and other areas.
Noting that current years was rich in bilateral cooperation
eventsand high-level meetings, Russian prime minister noted that the
recent visits to Russia by Armenian president and foreign minister,
followed by the visit byprime minister were also its proof, adding
that the dialogue between the two countries was filled with new
content. He spoke with satisfaction about theincreasing trade volumes,
noting at the same time that having in mind available potential it is
not yet sufficient. Mikhail Fradkov expressed hope that thevisit by
Andranik Margarian will give a new impetus to further development of
Russian-Armenian economic cooperation.
At the close of the meeting Armenian prime minister thanked his
counterpart for constructive and effective dialogue, expressing hope
that the meeting will become an important move towards deepening
Russian-Armenian economic cooperation, inviting Mikhail Fradkov to pay
a visit to Armenia at a suitable time.
Before the end of the talks Armenian education and science minister
and his Russian counterpart signed an agreement on cooperation in
education. Then prime ministers held a joint news conference, during
which Andranik Margarian first thanked his counterpart for the
invitation and the warm welcome. Assessing highly the progress in
cooperation between Russian and Armenian governments, he expressed
confidence that it will continue with the same pace, basing on
centuries-long friendship between Russians and Armenians and the two
countries’ strategic interaction. Margarian also mentioned with
satisfaction the high level of cooperation between the two countries
in all areas, saying that Russia continues to remain Armenia’s main
trade and economic partner.
He said the talks encompassed a wide scope of issues and several
agreements were reached for further development of cooperation. He
added that he and Russian prime minister agreed to hold frequent
meetings, to have more active contacts which will help efficient
solution to issues demanding constant attention. The Armenian prime
minister also spoke about Nagorno Karabagh conflict regulation,
economic and other issues.
Then an official dinner was given in the honor of the Armenian
prime minister by Russian prime minister Fradkov. Armenian prime
minister also attended the Armenia pavilion at the Pan-Russian
Exhibition Center. The Armenian side proposed that an agreement on
long-term lease of the pavilion be signed, asits operation has
increased the trade turnover between the countries by $3 million.
Today Andranik Margarian is scheduled to meet with the chairman
ofRussian state Duma (parliament) Sergey Mironov.