Armenian, Iranian presidents hail ties – TV

Public Television of Armenia, Yerevan
8 Sep 04

[Presenter] President of the Islamic Republic of Iran Mohammad Khatami
is on a two-day official visit in Yerevan at the invitation of Armenian
President Robert Kocharyan.

[Correspondent over video of the presidents] After the red carpet
treatment of the official guest outside the presidential place,
Kocharyan and Khatami had a tete-a-tete meeting. The presidents
reviewed the current and the future state of Armenian-Iranian relations
and exchanged views on regional and international issues.

The Armenian and Iranian presidents said that by deepening bilateral
and regional cooperation and bringing together interests of the
regional states, a favourable environment could be created for the
resolution of the existing regional conflicts.

After their private meeting, Khatami and Kocharyan had an expanded
meeting with the participation of the delegations. The presidents
signed an agreement on the principles of cooperation between the
Islamic Republic of Iran and the Republic of Armenia. The sides
also signed agreements on cooperation in the energy, cultural and
customs fields.

[Kocharyan] The scope of our bilateral relations is gradually
expanding. I would like to thank our friends and guests for the job
done. I want to thank you for the significance of the issues on the
agenda and the prevailing mood at our talks.

For us, the energy sector is very important, and we have acquired
enough experience in our cooperation. Based on our experience, we can
now take further serious steps. I am sure that the significance of
these programmes will not be merely limited to bilateral relations
but will become of regional importance.

We have not only covered energy issues but also other issues, like
mutual investment. In particular, we hope to see more investment
flowing into the Armenian economy from Iran. There are certain issues
which could be thrashed out. They include taking certain steps to
establish a free trade regime and develop trade.

Iran is a special country that possesses inner strength, cultural
heritage and opportunities in this region. Establishing lasting and
multilateral relations with this country is extremely important for us.

[Khatami, speaking in Persian with Armenian voice-over] I am glad
to have paid a visit to Armenia and have had a chance to meet
my friend. For us, Armenia is a hard-working country with kind
people. This nation has made a significant contribution to the
world culture. Luckily, along with other ethnicities in Iran with
ancient culture, we have ethnic Armenians as our citizens. They have
played an important role in the country’s independence. Armenia is
Iran’s geographical neighbour and it is our policy to be in friendly
relations with all our neighbours. However, we have special feelings
towards Armenia. Ties between Iran and Armenia are a good example
of good-neighbourly relations. Based on respect for each other’s
independence, our relations have expanded and developed since 1991.

The documents signed today provide us with a good basis for the
further deepening of relations. Armenian-Iranian cooperation serves
to the interests of the two sides and is not against any third party.