ARMENIA WILLING TO EXPAND TIES WITH IRAN ON LONG-TERM BASIS

Islamic Republic News Agency, Iran
March 19 2007

Armenian President Robert Kocharyan said on Monday that Armenia is
determined to expand its relations with Iran and that it considers
such ties as long-term.

According to a report released by the Presidential Office Media
Department, the statement was made during his talks with President
Mahmoud Ahmadinejad at Nordouz border area on the sidelines of the
inaugural ceremony of Iran-Armenia gas pipeline.

Turning to his country’s requirement of energy resources, the Armenian
president called for cooperation with Iran in this regard.

"Armenia is willing to use Iran’s experience in various fields,
including establishment of refinery and power plant, connection of the
railway networks of the two countries and cooperation on development
of the infrastructures of Armenia’s telecommunication," he added.

He appreciated the quick implementation of the mutually signed
agreements and contracts, he said that this provides a highly favorable
ground for further expansion of relations.

"The good will of our Iranian partner, in particular that of President
Ahmadinejad, plays a decisive role in bolstering bilateral relations,"
concluded the Armenian president.