SARKISYAN VISITS MOSCOW
By M. Alkhazashvili

The Messenger
March 26 2008
Georgia

Taking a brief break from the political turmoil in Yerevan sparked
by his official victory in last month’s election, incoming Armenian
president and current Prime Minister Serzh Sarkisyan visited Moscow
on March 24.

He held talks with outgoing President Vladimir Putin and his successor
Dmitry Medvedev, both of whom stressed the importance of developing
bilateral relations.

"Despite the difficult political situation in Armenia, I hope that
relations will continue to develop," Putin said after the meeting.

Sarkisyan underlined Armenia’s readiness to cooperate in all fields
during Medvedev’s presidency, stating, "We’re ready to build up our
relations on a mutually advantageous base."

A Kremlin source told Russian news agency Itar-Tass before the visit
that transport issues, including the Kavkaz-Poti ferry route, were
due to be discussed.

Officials from both countries have said that trade turnover is expected
to reach USD 1 billion this year.