OREANDA-NEWS. December 19, 2007. RA Prime Minister Serzh Sargsyan received outgoing Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the Republic of Armenia Alireza Haghighian.

Pleased with the recent progress recorded in the Armenian-Iranian relationship in the political, economic, cultural and other spheres, the Prime Minister emphasized the personal contribution of the Ambassador, his 4-year-long fruitful activities and thanked Ambassador Haghighian for his efforts toward the strengthening of bilateral ties between the two countries and peoples. Prime Minister Serzh Sargsyan noted that neighboring Iran is an important country to Armenia and the Armenian side is prepared to continue and deepen the centuries-old friendship and mutually beneficial cooperation with the people and the State of Iran. In this context, he stressed the importance of economic interaction which was said to be well-grounded already. As assured by Serzh Sargsyan, the successful completion of Iran-Armenia gas pipeline, high-voltage transmission lines, a HPP on the Arax and other projects instill confidence about the future of the bilateral cooperation with a focus on the implementation of more ambitious programs.

The Iranian Ambassador thanked the Prime Minister for his kind remarks and took the opportunity to extend his best wishes to the people of Armenia for a happy New Year and merry Christmas. Concurrent with the Prime Minister regarding the current high level and the bright outlook of the Iranian-Armenian relationship and mentioning that the political dialog between the two countries, the cooperation within the international organizations, the exchanges in the economic, cultural and other fields were on the upgrade, the Ambassador said this was due to the centuries-old friendship of our two peoples and the political will of the heads of state. The Ambassador further said that there was a reciprocal wish for developing the bilateral ties at all levels and expressed confidence that they will be built on with as much success.

The Iranian Ambassador said that he was leaving Armenia with very good impressions and memories and thanked the Armenian authorities inclusive of the government and the Prime Minister for the assistance and willingness of cooperation had during his mission in our country.

At the end of the meeting, Serzh Sargsyan wished the Ambassador every success in his future activities.