ArmenPress
Nov 15 2004
ROBERT KOCHARIAN AND ARNOLD RUUTEL DISCUSS COOPERATION
YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 15 ARMENPRESS: The president of Estonia Arnold
Ruutel arrived in Armenian 13 November at the invitation of president
Robert Kocharian. Ruutel is accompanied by his spouse.
According to president press services, the two presidents had a
face to face meeting early today after the ceremonial reception of
the guest at the presidential residence. The two leaders conferred on
different domains of Armenian-Estonian relations and prospects for
their development. They also discussed a range of issues on regional
and international significance.
The two president expressed their determination to assist
deepening of political dialogue and bilateral cooperation between the
two countries. In the words of Arnold Ruutel, Estonia hails the
inclusion of South Caucasian countries in the European Union New
Neighborhood project. Estonia devotes wider attention to developing
relations with South Caucasian state, the Estonian president said.
On Sunday, Ruutel visited the Garni Temple, the Geghard Monastery
and the Sergey Paradzhanov Museum where culture ministers of Estonia
and Armenia signed a bilateral cultural cooperation agreement.
Today Ruutel met also with the Speaker of the Armenian National
Assembly Arthur Baghdasarian and Armenian Prime Minister Andranik
Margarian. Afterwards, Ruutel visited the genocide museum and laid a
wreath at the genocide monument.
On Tuesday President Ruutel will deliver a lecture, Estonia and
Armenia in Europe, at Yerevan University, visit the old manuscripts
museum of the Matendaran Institute, see the display of the Armenian
National Museum and the Yerevan brandy distillery.
Tuesday afternoon the Estonian head of state will meet with the
head of the Armenian church, Catholicos Karekin II, and see the
Etchmiadzin Armenian Cathedral.
The official delegation accompanying the president on the visit
includes, among others, Culture Minister Urmas Paet, Regional Affairs
Minister Jaan Ounapuu, State Secretary Heiki Loot, Jarva County
Governor Ullar Vahtramae, Tartu University Rector Jaak Aaviksoo and
Mayor of Tartu Laine Janes.
Besides, the president is accompanied by a business delegation of
11, headed by board chairman of the Estonian Chamber of Commerce and
Industry Toomas Luman. Ruutel will return to Estonia on Tuesday,
November 16. President Kocharian made an official visit to Estonia in
June 2002.
From: Baghdasarian