Khatami: Armenians have a great impact on human civilizations

IRNA, Iran
Sept 8 2004

Yerevan, Sept 8, IRNA — President Mohammad Khatami here Wednesday
said that Armenia`s long history as well as its talented, diligent
and self-confident people have had a great impact on the human
civilizations.

Speaking to reporters, he referred to Iran`s glorious civilization of
the past eras and the Armenians` pivotal role in its development and
said that even today the Iranian Armenians keep on attempting towards
Iran`s independence and progress along with their Muslim compatriots.

“We respect our neighbors and are keen to cooperate with them.
We place special focus on Iran-Armenia ties, which can serve as a
model for those countries intending to establish relations on the
basis of mutual respect.

“Given our commitment to collaborate with Armenia following its
independence, bilateral relations have been improving since 1991,”
he added.

The president referred to the agreements signed mutually on Wednesday
and said that they are beneficial to both sides and will serve to
further broaden cooperation.

The chief executive reiterated the need to promote security and
tranquility in Iran and Caucasus and said that security and stability
in the two sensitive regions will guarantee scientific and cultural
development.

President Khatami voiced Iran`s intention to broaden its economic
and technical cooperation with the world countries and expedite
the development trend by making use of the affordable facilities
and potentials.

He referred to the great number of commonalties between Iran and
the Caucasus and said that it can overshadow some of the differences
of opinion.

The president said that most of the inked documents focused on energy
and communications and their exchange.

“Given that Armenia is located along the North-South Corridor, the
closer the communication between the two countries, the better we
can serve the entire region and the global economy,” he added.

For his part, Armenian President Robert Kocharian referred to President
Khatami`s trip to Armenia as the first visit by an Iranian president
to the country and said that it is therefore a significant historical
event.

He noted that his talks in today`s meeting with his Iranian counterpart
mainly focused on economic matters including energy and added that
based on Armenia`s infrastructures and expertise in the field,
broader cooperation is possible.

President Kocharian expressed confidence that joint projects will
soon assume regional significance.