Putin speaks in Yerevan on importance of multilateral contacts

RTR Russia TV, Moscow
25 Mar 05

[Presenter] We have just received footage from Yerevan, where Vladimir
Putin is on a visit. In the morning, the Russian president arrived at
the Armenian president’s official residence. He was met at the entrance
personally by Robert Kocharyan. After that, the two leaders proceeded
to the Golden Hall in the presidential palace. At this moment, the
presidents are having one-to-one talks. Opening the meeting, Kocharyan
stated that a visit by head of the Russian state had always been a
significant event in the life of Armenia. Putin noted positive trends
in the development of relations between our countries in political,
as well as economic spheres and stressed the special significance of
the launch of the Year of Russia in Armenia.

[Putin] I am pleased to note that we maintain regular contacts – not
only at the state level, but also between our experts and specialists,
as well as businessmen. The development of economic cooperation is also
progressing at a good pace. Today’s event is also extremely important,
because practice shows that the events of this kind organized with
our other partners bring very positive results as a rule. This affects
not only the humanitarian sphere, but also sets good foundations for
cooperation in the sphere of economy and creates a suitable atmosphere
for the development of political relations as well. We are counting
very much on this to happen in this case too.