RUSSIAN AND ARMENIAN PRESIDENTS MEET IN SOCHI

SOCHI, DECEMBER 16, ARMENPRESS: Russian President Vladimir Putin said today he was pleased with the development of relations with Armenia. Meeting his Armenian counterpart Robert Kocharian in the Russian resort city of Sochi Putin said, “Our relations are developing dynamically, the trade is increasing and we continue contacts on the high level.”

Putin thanked Kocharian for his interest in the organization of the Russian Year in Armenia throughout the outgoing 2005. “We are waiting for you in Moscow in near future to open the Armenian Year in Russia,” said the Russian president.

Robert Kocharian noted that this year was very fruitful in respect of the development of Russian-Armenian relations. “The volume of turnover is increasing, the investment programs are being implemented,” said he. Kocharian also expressed hope that the successes registered this year will allow to develop dynamically the relations during the next year as well.

“I am thankful to the Russian side for the organization of the events conducted within the frameworks of the Russian Year in Armenia,” said Kocharian. The two presidents also discussed the price of Russian gas supplies to Armenia, however, no details are available at this hour.