KOCHARYAN CALLS FOR PROMOTION OF TEHRAN-YEREVAN TIES

Islamic Republic News Agency, Iran
July 6 2006

Visiting Armenian President Robert Kocharyan Wednesday evening called
for promotion of Tehran-Yerevan ties.

Kocharyan, during a meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr
Mottaki Wednesday evening, said the two countries’ close cultural and
historical bonds as well as common interests have paved the ground
for expansion of mutual ties.

The Armenian president praised the achievements of the Islamic Republic
of Iran in various fields.

He expressed the hope continuing consultations between the two
countries’ officials will further strengthen ties, encourage opening
of joint ventures and raise the volume of trade exchanges.

Turning to prospects of Tehran-Yerevan ties, Mottaki said the two
countries have numerous potentials to open up new areas of cooperation.

Holding joint commission sessions and more consultations will help open
new opportunities for cooperation in line with their mutual interests,
the Iranian foreign minister said.

Mottaki stressed implementation of agreements already inked by the
two countries.

"We are hopeful the two sides will be able to implement projects that
have been sidelined by adopting effective strategies." President
Kocharyan arrived in Tehran at the head of a high- ranking
politico-economic delegation for a two-day official visit Wednesday
morning.

Foreign Minister Vartan Oskanian, Minister of Energy Armen Movsisyan
and Deputy Foreign Minister Armen Kirakosian are accompanying the
Armenian president in this visit.