IRNA, Iran
Feb 8 2005

Khatamihighlights significance of Tehran-Yerevan cooperation

Tehran, Feb 8, IRNA — President Mohammad Khatami said here Tuesday
that Tehran-Yerevan cooperation would be effective to support mutual
interests and security as well as regional stability.
President Khatami further told Armenian National Security Council
Secretary Serzh Sarkisian that 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.
The President 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 hoped 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