Iranian, Armenian presidents discuss mutual cooperation

IRNA, Iran
Sept 8 2004

Yerevan, Sept 8, IRNA — President Mohammad Khatami who is in Yerevan
at the head of a high ranking delegation conferred on Wednesday with
his Armenian counterpart Robert Kocharian on expansion of mutual
relations.

In the meeting, President Khatami referred to historical ties between
the two countries and highlighted the role of Iran and Armenia in the
region. He termed interaction between the two countries as interaction
between two histories and two nations that have played an effective
role in the formation of human civilization.

The two sides’ security, stability and developments are interrelated
and for this reason “We should broaden our ties more than ever before,”
he said.

Voicing satisfaction with expansion and deepening of all-out relations
between the two countries, he said “I hope to witness further promotion
of mutual relations in economic, cultural and political areas.”

photo: ISNA

Referring to growing trend of bilateral cooperation in gas, electricity
and transportation fields, he voiced Tehran’s readiness to further
broaden cooperation with Yerevan in petrochemical, auto manufacturing
and agricultural machinery fields and said such cooperation would
foster bilateral relations and meet the interests of the whole region.

“Our region is very sensitive and there is no alternative but to
jointly shoulder responsibility for the development and stability of
the region,” he said.

Regional countries share ample commonalties which could help remove
existing problems and thwart probable dangers, he said.

The Armenian president, for his part, termed the two sides relations
as very close and all opportunities should be seized for broadening
of mutual ties.

The Islamic Republic of Iran plays a very significant and unique
role in the region, he said adding that Yerevan welcomes expansion
of cooperation with Tehran, he said.

Expressing satisfaction with the presence of high ranking Iranian
delegation in Armenia, he expressed the hope that it would bear
fruitful results and lead to consolidation of mutual cooperation.

Calling for timely implementation of agreements signed by the two
sides, he said “the nature of existing cooperation has influenced
our relations as well as the whole region.”

Meanwhile, the heads of Iran-Armenia Joint Economic Commission who were
present in the meeting expressed their views on the fifth commission
session and discussed prospects of mutual cooperation in the fields
of energy, transportation, agriculture, border trade and culture.

Prior to the meeting, the two presidents in a private meeting,
discussed mutual relations as well as regional and international
developments.