Putin discusses diamonds, aluminium with Armenian leader

RTR Russia TV, Moscow
20 Aug 04

Presenter We have just received footage of Vladimir Putin’s meeting
with Armenian President Robert Kocharyan. Referring to the main areas
of cooperation between the two countries, the Russian head of state
noted the good development of relations in the political sphere and in
a number of other sectors. At the same time, however, Vladimir Putin
proposed to his Armenian colleague that they discuss certain
problematic issues, notably the reduction in two-way trade.

Putin There are certain things which cannot fail to worry us. I have
in mind the reduction in the level of trade during the first half of
the year. I am sure you would like to discuss this topic as well. As
we know, there is a simple reason for this. It is the very low degree
of diversification in our relations. It took only one enterprise to
close for modernization, reducing the delivery of one type of
commodity, for overall trade to contract sharply and immediately.

Kocharyan The main trade item exported from Russia to Armenia is
diamonds, but the liberalization of the diamond market has led to some
bumpy patches in relations.

Putin It appears that the enterprise –

Kocharyan Armenal Armenian Aluminium .

Putin Yes.

Kocharyan Yes. The modernization programme for Armenal is such that,
after it is completed, the volume of production will simply double.

Putin Yes.

Kocharyan It will be at a completely different level.

Presenter Vladimir Putin also said Russia would fully meet the
Armenian Defence Ministry’s request for training of specialists at
Russian colleges. The Russian head of state specified that about 150
Armenian servicemen would be able to study in Russia this year.