ARKA News Agency
March 22 2005

The recent years Armenia establishes active trade-economic
cooperation with 25 administrative units of Russia

RF President to visit Armenia on March 24-25

RF, RA Presidents exchange messages

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THE RECENT YEARS ARMENIA ESTABLISHES ACTIVE TRADE-ECONOMIC
COOPERATION WITH 25 ADMINISTRATIVE UNITS OF RUSSIA

YEREVAN, March 22. /ARKA/. For the recent years Armenia established
active trade-economic cooperation with 25 administrative units of
Russia. According to RA Government~Rs Press Service, RA Prime Minister
Andranik Margaryan stated about it at the meeting with the Governor
of Sverdlovsk region Eduard Rossel. According to him, rich
contractual ~Vlegal base between RA and RF, including over 160
intergovernmental and interstate documents, allows developing
cooperation in various areas. Margaryan added that corresponding
agreements were signed with Saint-Petersburg, Saratov, Astrakhan,
Kirovsk region, Krasnodar, and the authorities of Moscow.
Corresponding protocols are signed between Samara, Ararat and
Gegharkunik regions. ~STrade turnover between our states grows year by
year, and this is due to strengthening relations between
administrative subjects~T, he said.
In his turn the Governor of Sverdlovsk recorded a new progress in
bilateral cooperation. Rossel suggested that Armenian Center be
established in Sverdlovsk region to develop cooperation with the
Armenian side in various directions, organize exhibition of Armenian
goods, and establish joint ventures. He suggested that a working
group be formed from representatives of corresponding Ministries and
Departments aimed at preparing a large-scaled cooperation. In
particular he supported the idea of forming a working group for
preparing an intergovernmental agreement providing for certain
measures and programs of cooperation in the areas of economy, trade,
science, education, culture and other regions and noted that after
signing agreement also the capacity of trade-commerce chambers of
Armenia and Russia, Armenian-Russian Association of Business
Cooperation, Union of Entrepreneurs may be used. After meeting of
Prime Minister Andranik Margaryan with Governor of Sverdlovsk region,
they signed a protocol on results of the visit of official delegation
of Sverdlovsk region of RF in RA. Main directions of cooperation in
trade-economic, industrial and humanitarian areas are stipulated in
the protocol. Necessity of signing an intergovernmental agreement to
carry out the goals was noted. A.H. ~V0–

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RF PRESIDENT TO VISIT ARMENIA ON MARCH 24-25

YEREVAN, March 22. /ARKA/. RF President Vladimir Putin is to visit
Armenia on March 24-25, 2005, the RF presidential press service
reports. During his visit, the Russian leader is to hold a meeting
with his Armenian counterpart Robert Kocharian. President Putin is
scheduled to take part in the ceremonial opening of a Year of the
Russian Federation in Armenia, which is to be inaugurated by a gala
concert with participation of outstanding Russian art workers. An
orchestra under the baton of Vladimir Spivakov is to give a concert
as well. The Bolshoi Theater, Moscow Artistic Academy Theater, Perm
drama and other troupes are to take part in the arrangements.
2005 is declared a Year of Russia in Armenia and 2006 a Year of
Armenia in Russia. P.T. ~V0–

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RF, RA PRESIDENTS EXCHANGE MESSAGES

YEREVAN, March 21. /ARKA/. RF President Vladimir Putin and RA
President Robert Kocharian exchanged messages on the occasion of the
opening of a Year of Russia in Armenia. The RF presidential press
service reports that in his message President Putin said: ~SRussia has
consistently attached paramount importance to the strengthening of
friendly relations with Armenia, its reliable ally and strategic
partner. I am sure that the holding of a Year of Russia will
contribute to closer relations between the two countries, development
of friendship and direct dialogue between our peoples.~T The
press-release says that the arrangements on the occasion of the 60th
anniversary of the Great Victory will have a special place in the
celebrations. In turn, in his message the RA President pointed out
that ~Sthe decision on declaration of 2005 a year of the Russian
Federation in Armenia affords ample opportunities for further
development of the Armenian-Russia ties.~T ~SThis initiative will
certainly contribute to full materialization of potential for
political, economic and cultural cooperation between our fraternal
peoples. I would like to express confidence that holding a Year of
Russia in Armenia will add new ideas and projects to the agenda on
Armenian-Russian cooperation,~T the RA President~Rs message says. P.T.
~V0–

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