JOINT CONFERENCE AT END OF VISIT

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02:07 pm | April 14, 2009

Official

Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan paid a two-day official visit to Iran
at the invitation of Iranian President Mahmud Ahmadinezhad on April
13. This is Sargsyan’s first visit to Iran. The behind-closed-doors
talks between Sargsyan and Ahmadinezhad took place after Sargsyan
arrived at the "Mehrabad" airport after which the talks were held in
a wide format. After the arrival of the president at the "Mehrabad"
airport

As the presidential press service reports, Serzh Sargsyan underscored
that Armenia attaches special importance to the dynamic broadening
of relations with Iran and viewed Iran as a trusted and key
neighbor. Mahmud Ahmadinezhad considered the deepening of relations
with Armenia as one of the most important priorities of the foreign
policy.

Both presidents attached importance to the role of the Armenian
community of Iran in the strengthening of relations with Iran. The
sides discussed the deepening of economic ties, increase in trade,
construction of the Iran-Armenia railway, construction of the
hydroelectric stations on the Arax river coast, and issues concerning
programs in the energy, transportation and economic spheres.

With the request of Mahmud Ahmadinezhad Serzh Sargsyan reported
on the latest developments of the Turkish-Armenian rapprochement
and the peaceful settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. The
interlocutors attached importance to the peaceful settlement of all
issues. President Serzh Sargsyan expressed gratitude to Iran for its
balanced position on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

On the same day RA President Serzh Sargsyan met with Chairman of the
Mejlis of Iran Ali Larijan. Last night Mahmud Ahmadinezhad served
an official dinner in honor of President of the Republic of Armenia
Serzh Sargsyan.

Today Serzh Sargsyan will meet with spiritual leader of the Islamic
Republic of Iran Ayatolla Seyed Ali Khamanei and Secretary of the
Supreme Security Council Said Jalili, lay flowers in front of the
tombstone of founding leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran Ayatolla
Khomeini. After the signing of documents in a number of fields,
Serzh Sargsyan and Mahmud Ahmadinezhad will hold a joint press
conference. Serzh Sargsyan’s first official visit to Iran will end
with the meeting with the Armenian community of Iran at the "Ararat"
sport/culture complex.