ArmenPress
Feb 8 2005

KHATAMI MEETS ARMENIAN DEFENSE MINISTER

TEHRAN FEBRUARY 8, ARMENPRESS: Iranian President Mohammad Khatami
was quoted by Irna news agency as saying Tuesday that Tehran-Yerevan
cooperation would be effective to support mutual interests and
security as well as regional stability.
Meeting with the visiting Armenian defense minister Serzh
Sarkisian, Khatami said Iranian and Armenian presidents have formed a
new phase to develop economic cooperation and efforts should be made
for speedy implementation of mutual accords.
Khatami stressed that the Islamic Republic of Iran supports its
neighbor Armenia, considering the fact that mutual cooperation is
effective for development and security of the Caucasus. He said
regional states can solve their problems through high level
negotiations without foreign intervention and Iran, as a country
which calls for establishment of good ties with all neighbors, is
ready to take steps for removal of any problem with the neighbors.
Khatami pointed to the significance of transit and transportation
in boosting relations among regional states and also to the need for
connection of railways and roads. He underlined the project for
transfer of gas to Armenia and also expansion of commercial
relations.
Sarkisian for his part expressed hopes for further expansion of
the Tehran- Yerevan relations on the basis of good faith. He said
development of mutual relations in the fields of culture, education
and economy would prepare the ground for guaranteeing security and
expanding ties in other spheres.
He added that connection of Iranian and Armenian railways would be
effective for establishment of the north-south corridor. He welcomed
the project for transfer of gas to Armenia. He also described as
“very logical and positive” Iran’s viewpoints on sticking to dialogue
and negotiation to settle regional disputes without foreign
intervention.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress