Armenian, Iranian leaders discuss pressing regional issues
Armenian President Serzh Sarkisian visiting Iran on
Monday discussed with his counterpart Mahmoud Ahmadinejad the
Armenia-Azerbaijan Upper (Nagorno) Garabagh conflict and the
process of normalizing his country`s strained relations with
Turkey.
Sarkisian thanked Tehran for its balanced policy on the Garabagh settlement, Armenian media reported. Both presidents positively assessed ongoing peace talks and progress observed in negotiations aiming to forge political dialog between Yerevan and Ankara. The two leaders stressed the importance of solving all outstanding problems in peace, terming cooperation and stability as key factors for the well-being and development of the regional nations.
Ahmadinejad and Sarkisian stated that their countries share views on issues of both regional and global scale. They emphasized that Iran-Armenia cooperation was pivotal in the backdrop of the changes taking place around the world, saying peace and friendship in the turbulent region could prevail only with joint efforts of all states involved.
The Armenian leader extended his gratitude to Iran, calling it a reliable neighbor and "a friend through tough times." Sarkisian said Iran has provided great assistance to the development of Armenia since the republic gained independence. He recalled the country`s help when the South Caucasus republic faced blockade during the Georgian-Ossetian military conflict in August 2008.
"The relations between Yerevan and Tehran should be expanded and the level of our cooperation increased," Sarkisian said.
Ahmadinejad, for his part, said Armenia`s development would be advantageous for the region. "Armenia`s prosperity, development and stability benefit the entire region."
Further, the Iranian president called for broadening the two countries` relations in a variety of fields, in particular, trade, transport and the energy sector. "Developing relations with Armenia is a priority direction in Iran`s foreign policy."
Another issue that topped the agenda of the presidential talks was construction of a railway line to link Iran and Armenia. The sides signed a final memorandum on implementing the project in conclusion of Sarkisian`s visit on Tuesday.
Iran and Armenia signed a preliminary MoU on the railway line in Yerevan on April 3, confirming their interest in creating a direct rail link between the two countries. The route will allow Armenia to transport energy resources and other commodities to other countries. The railway line will be 470 km long, of which 60 km will lie in Iran and 410 km in Armenia. Under the $1 billion project, the rail line is expected to take up to five years to build.
Armenia remains sidelined from regional projects due to its policy of aggression against Azerbaijan and has a railway link only with Georgia.
Transport Minister Gurgen Sarkisian, who accompanied the Armenian president during his visit, told Iranian media that Russia has stated its readiness to participate in various stages of the project.
Sarkisian thanked Tehran for its balanced policy on the Garabagh settlement, Armenian media reported. Both presidents positively assessed ongoing peace talks and progress observed in negotiations aiming to forge political dialog between Yerevan and Ankara. The two leaders stressed the importance of solving all outstanding problems in peace, terming cooperation and stability as key factors for the well-being and development of the regional nations.
Ahmadinejad and Sarkisian stated that their countries share views on issues of both regional and global scale. They emphasized that Iran-Armenia cooperation was pivotal in the backdrop of the changes taking place around the world, saying peace and friendship in the turbulent region could prevail only with joint efforts of all states involved.
The Armenian leader extended his gratitude to Iran, calling it a reliable neighbor and "a friend through tough times." Sarkisian said Iran has provided great assistance to the development of Armenia since the republic gained independence. He recalled the country`s help when the South Caucasus republic faced blockade during the Georgian-Ossetian military conflict in August 2008.
"The relations between Yerevan and Tehran should be expanded and the level of our cooperation increased," Sarkisian said.
Ahmadinejad, for his part, said Armenia`s development would be advantageous for the region. "Armenia`s prosperity, development and stability benefit the entire region."
Further, the Iranian president called for broadening the two countries` relations in a variety of fields, in particular, trade, transport and the energy sector. "Developing relations with Armenia is a priority direction in Iran`s foreign policy."
Another issue that topped the agenda of the presidential talks was construction of a railway line to link Iran and Armenia. The sides signed a final memorandum on implementing the project in conclusion of Sarkisian`s visit on Tuesday.
Iran and Armenia signed a preliminary MoU on the railway line in Yerevan on April 3, confirming their interest in creating a direct rail link between the two countries. The route will allow Armenia to transport energy resources and other commodities to other countries. The railway line will be 470 km long, of which 60 km will lie in Iran and 410 km in Armenia. Under the $1 billion project, the rail line is expected to take up to five years to build.
Armenia remains sidelined from regional projects due to its policy of aggression against Azerbaijan and has a railway link only with Georgia.
Transport Minister Gurgen Sarkisian, who accompanied the Armenian president during his visit, told Iranian media that Russia has stated its readiness to participate in various stages of the project.
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