PRESS RELEASE October 11, 2005
Embassy of the Republic of Armenia
2225 R Street, NW, Washington, DC, 20008
Tel: 202-319-1976, x. 348; Fax: 202-319-2982
Email: armecon@speakeasy.net ;Web:

Armenian Energy Minister Meets U.S. Secretary of Energy

On October 11, 2005, Armenian Energy Minister Armen Movsisyan met with his
U.S. counterpart, Secretary of Energy Samuel W. Bodman to discuss
U.S.-Armenian cooperation in the energy sector.

Minister Movsisyan expressed appreciation for continuing U.S. assistance to
the Armenian energy sector, and presented the current status of the energy
sector reforms. The Energy Minister highlighted the need to build
replacement energy capacity prior to the closure of the Metzamor Nuclear
Power Plant. Minister Movsisyan said he looked forward to working with the
United States on the development of alternative energy sources in Armenia,
including geothermal and wind power sources.

It was suggested to explore the possibility for a U.S.-Armenian energy
investment forum with participation of private sector and financial
organizations.

Secretary Bodman expressed willingness to explore ways to assist Armenia on
the issues facing its energy sector, based on relevant U.S. experience. The
U.S. Secretary of Energy inquired on the status of the Iran-Armenian gas
pipeline.

Ambassador Tatoul Markarian also participated in the meeting.