Armenia, Iran ink three cooperation agreements

October 9, 2017 By administrator

Three agreements on cooperation in the IT, science, education and art as well as agriculture spheres were signed in the scope of Armenia’s PM Karen Karapetyan’s official visit to the Islamic Republic of Iran, local media outlets reported.

The Armenian delegation comprises the chairman of the state revenue committee, minister of energy and natural resources, ministers of transport and communication, agriculture, and culture.

As the government reported earlier, the head of the Armenian government is holding meetings with IRI President Hassan Rouhani, First Vice President Es’haq Jahangiri and Majlis Speaker Ali Larijani.

Karen Karapetyan is also set to visit Ararat Sports Club where he is scheduled to meet with representatives of the local Armenian community, including the business community.

Russia, Iraq call for closer economic, military cooperation

July 26, 2017 By administrator

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iraqi Vice President Nouri al-Maliki have held a meeting, during which they underlined the need for the reinforcement of bilateral “economic” and “military-technical” relations.

The meeting took place in the Russian city of St. Petersburg on Tuesday.

Putin said that Russia and Iraq have set up “an intergovernmental commission” that is currently working “at full capacity.”

He added, however, that “a lot has yet to be done in terms of economic cooperation…, specifically military-technical cooperation. Russia is proactive in this area, and Iraq benefits from its assistance.”

Paying his third visit to Russia, Maliki said, “With every visit, we take yet another step toward the common goal of further improving our relations.”

Moscow and Baghdad have contacts in the energy, economic and the military-technical fields and are engaged in the implementation of a number of bilateral cooperation agreements, he noted.

Maliki also emphasized that Russia and Iraq “have very good potential for [further] cooperation, and our strategic choice is based on an understanding of the importance of the role of Russia in the region and Iraq.”

The Iraqi vice president further hailed Russia’s active role in the fight against terrorists operating in the region.

“Russia has made a tremendous contribution, in particular in Syria and Iraq, to prevent the disintegration of the region,” he said, warning that without Moscow, “the map of the region would have changed for the worse for us.”

Russia took an “honorable stance” when it agreed to the speedy delivery of weapons to Iraq after the rise of the Takfiri Daesh terrorist group in the Arab country, Maliki pointed out.

Meanwhile, Dmitry Shugaev, head of Russia’s Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation, said that Putin and Maliki had “touched upon” the supply of Russian T-90 battle tanks to Baghdad during Tuesday’s meeting.

According to Russian media reports, the deal could exceed $1 billion.

On Monday, Maliki sat down with Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and speaker of Russia’s upper house of parliament, Valentina.

During the meetings, the Iraqi official urged “substantial” Russian military and political presence in the terror-ravaged country, stressing that this would bring “balance” to the entire region.

Daesh unleashed its campaign of death and destruction in Iraq in 2014, seizing the northern city of Mosul and declaring it as its stronghold in the Middle Eastern country.

Iraqi army soldiers and allied volunteer fighters have been leading a major operation to rid the country of Takfiri elements. The Iraqi forces fully liberated Mosul earlier this month.

Azerbaijan-Belarus cooperation conflicts with Armenia’s interests – analyst

June 29, 2017 By administrator

Azerbaijan and Belarus are developing not only economic but also political cooperation, which does not absolutely meet Armenia’s interests, a political analyst said Wednesday, commenting on a recent bilateral arrangement signed on the sidelines of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly.
Speaking to Tert.am, Armen Badalyan also noted that the deal should not be treated as something very logical in the light of the two countries’ long history of partnership.

“If you remember, the Belarusian president was honored with a medal by [Azerbaijani President] Ilham Aiyev. And thereby [Alexander] Lukashenko promised to ‘justify’ his honor,” he told Tert.am.

The expert cited the deep economic ties as a key reason behind the close cooperation. He noted that Belarus repeatedly before aided Azerbaijan, with Azerbaijan mutually providing financial assistance to the country.

“Even within the frameworks of the CSTO [Collective Security Treaty Organization] – of which Azerbaijan is a member – we have numerously seen the impact and product of this cooperation. Very often, it had an underlying pretext, which was the policy of not defending Russia. Being under Russian influence and pressures, Belarus many times received assistance from Azerbaijan. Therefore, this is not only an economic but also a political cooperation,” he added.

Meantime, Badalyan did not rule out the possibility of anti-Armenian processes and initiatives attracting Belarus as a supporting country.

“Azerbaijan uses and will use any international platform to pass resolutions against Armenia. And there are high chances that Belarus will vote in favor of those measures,” he noted.

Energy sector keystone of Armenian-German cooperation – minister

June 29, 2017 By administrator

The energy sector is among the keystones of Armenian-German cooperation, Ambassador Matthias Kiesler said today, highlighting the priorities of joint projects.
Speaking at a workshop organized for beneficiaries of a renewable energy loan program, the diplomat said his country has already allocated €150 million of which €50 million was spent on the renovation of the Vorotan Hydro Cascade’s electric power stations.

“We provide money also for retraining courses, so our meeting today is part of those activities. Apart from the energy power project – which has attracted €170 million – we also assist in the regional electric network improvement efforts. To do that we need also legislative regulations and acts,” he said, stressing also the importance of having effectively functioning networks.

The ambassador also called for stepping up the solar power production and evaluating the renewable power sources’ environmental impact.

“It is important for the key actors in the sector to properly understand renewable energy’s environmental impact to reduce it to a minimum,” he added.

Mr Kiesler, who is an electrical engineer by profession, said his country is now embarking on the production of non-traditional energy sources.

“I think that a gradual transition to renewable energy will be very useful for Armenia too. Renewable energy, particularly solar power, is considerably cheaper today, so it can be competitive with the traditional sources. For a country which has the [Metsamor] Nuclear Power Plant, as well as natural gas-powered stations as the key energy producers, it is very important to diversify the energy sources to supplement them with renewable power. That will help Armenia ensure the energy security in the country, as well as reduce the greenhouse gases’ export,” he added.

Armenia and Cyprus sign Agreement on Bilateral Military Cooperation Programme

May 29, 2017 By administrator

Cyprus Armenia Armenia and Cyprus on Monday signed agreements on Exchange and Mutual Protection of Classified Information, as well as on Bilateral Military Cooperation Programme.

The agreements were signed during the visit of Armenian FM Vigen Sargsyan to Cyprus, in-cyprus.com reports.

The talks between the Armenian Defense Minister Vigen Sargsyan and his Cypriot counterpart Christoforos Fokaides were followed by a meeting in an extended format.

Sargsyan will also be received by President of Cyprus Nicos Anastasiades. Apart from this, he will hold meetings with House President Demetris Syllouris, Cypriot Minister of Foreign Affairs Ioannis Kasoulides, and Archbishop of the Church of Cyprus Chrysostomos II.

Armenia, UAE sign documents on cooperation

November 11, 2016 By administrator

armenia-aue YEREVAN. – President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan, who is on an official visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), on Thursday met with the UAE Vice President and Prime Minister, and Emir of the Emirate of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

Sargsyan stressed that Armenia carries out productive and multifaceted cooperation with Arab countries, and added that, in this connection, Armenian-Emirati relations are special.

At the ensuing talk, the interlocutors lauded the relations between the two friendly countries and peoples, and expressed willingness to further develop and strengthen these ties.

President Sargsyan noted that Armenia views the UAE as a key gateway toward the Gulf region and other countries.

The parties also underscored the chances of visa liberalization between Armenia and the UAE. Sheikh Al Maktoum added that the Emirati side plans to make the flydubai airline direct flights to and from Yerevan become daily, as of the coming year.

Following the talk, documents were signed with respect to the deepening and strengthening of Armenian-Emirati cooperation in several domains.

And after the signing ceremony, the UAE Vice President and Prime Minister, and Emir of the Emirate of Dubai gave an official dinner in honor of the President of Armenia.

Armenia, France keen on deepening defense cooperation

November 7, 2016 By administrator

military-coperation Armenian Defense Minister Vigen Sargsyan had a meeting with French Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Armenia Jean-Francois Charpentier.

The Armenian Defense Minister attached importance to France’s efforts towards the settlement of the Karabakh conflict in its capacity as an OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chair.

The interlocutors praised the high level of interstate relations and noted that there is a great potential for developing bilateral cooperation in the field of defense, especially in international peacekeeping.

The parties agreed to work towards intensification of cooperation in the field of defense and on the military-political level.

Reference was made to issues of regional security.

Impossible to Ensure European Security ‘Without Cooperation With Russia”

May 27, 2016 By administrator

Greek PM Alexis Tsipras in an exclusive interview with Sputnik said that European security cannot be achieved without Russia.

MOSCOW (Sputnik) — Ensuring security in Europe without dialogue and cooperation with Russia is impossible, Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras told Sputnik.

“European security cannot be achieved without cooperation and dialogue with Russia,” Tsipras said.

He also said that Europe cannot move forward while caught in a vicious circle of sanctions, militarization and Cold War rhetoric.

“I don’t believe that we can move forward or ensure compliance with international law while caught in a vicious circle of sanctions, militarization and Cold War rhetoric,” Tsipras said.

Moreover, the Greek Prime Minister called on the EU to resume talks on easing the EU visa regime for Russian nationals.

“We overcame all the difficulties that arose due to changes in the issuance of Schengen visas, strengthened the work of our consulates in Russia by attracting dozens of new employees, and we are ready to meet the high demand of Russian nationals for travel to Greece. At the same time, I find it necessary, as I have already mentioned at a European level, that dialogue is relaunched on easing the visa regime for Russian citizens,” Tsipras said.

Armenia Hosted Eurasian Economic Union Meeting to Discuss Cooperation

May 24, 2016 By administrator

Eurasian Intergovernmental Council Meets to Discuss Furtherance of Cooperation between EAEU Member States (Photo: Press Office of the Government of Armenia)

YEREVAN (News.am)—A regular meeting of the Eurasian Intergovernmental Council was held on May 20 in Yerevan to discuss economic cooperation between the coalition’s member states.

The Prime Minster of Armenia, Hovik Abrahamyan, welcomed those presented and noted the positive dynamics in the establishment of a common market of goods and services at the current stage of the Eurasian Economic Union’s (EAEU) development.

Abrahamyan also spoke about expansion of cooperation in international and other formats, as well as the closer trade and economic cooperation of EAEU with separate states, enabling to raise the EAEU development level.

In this context, Abrahamyan considered cooperation with China as one of the key issues on the meeting agenda. According to him, the establishment of legal framework of cooperation between EAEU and China will enable to not only increase the volume of trade, but also involve investments for large infrastructure projects and diversify logistical opportunities. The Prime Minster stressed the importance of the work aimed at establishing China’s Silk Road Economic Belt.

“Having a historical experience, and being the only EAEU country to have land border with Iran, Armenia is ready to implement that project,” Abrahamyan said.

The meeting also spoke about the formation of common markets in the EAEU, whose activity will enable to eliminate the obstacles on the way to the movement of goods, as well as increase the speed and volume of economic cooperation between the states.

Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev highlighted that regular meetings are imperative in the integration processes and solving the issues set before them. He considered it necessary to reinforce the legal framework of the Union, fully ensure the free movement of goods, services, capital and persons, eliminate the obstacles and limitations, as well as form common markets in key areas of economy.

Medvedev also attached importance to the speedy adoption of the EAEU Customs Code in order to ensure clear, foreseeable and favorable legal framework for the business community. He noted that it is necessary to develop trade and economic ties with the key partners, including China, Vietnam, Southeastern Asia and other states.

Kazakhstan’s Prime Minster Karim Massimov attached importance to the trade between EAEU and states such as India, Egypt, Iran, etc.

In his speech, Belarus Prime Minister, Andrei Kobyakov, considered formation of common markets of oil and oil products a priority, attaching importance to the adoption of the Eurasian Union Customs Code.

The session also addressed this issue, and suggested implementation of the provisions of the report on coordinated transportation policy, draft decisions of the Eurasian Economic Commission, etc.

During the meeting, Kyrgyzstan’s Prime Minister Sooronbai Zheenbekov stressed that targeted and consistent work with the EAEU countries is a key direction.

As a result of the session, the aforementioned documents, which strengthen the economic cooperation between the member states, were approved and signed. The document on the negotiations on signing a trade and economic agreement between EAEU member states and China was also signed.

The next session of the Eurasian Economic Commission will be held on August 12 in Sochi.

Russian-Azerbaijani military cooperation must be suspended – Andrey Areshev

April 5, 2016 By administrator

In an interview with Tert.am, Russia-based expert Andrey Areshev commented on the situation on the line of contact, possible outcomes, the side’s potential and motivations.

“I think the conflict is going through a critical phase and, regrettably, may escalate into a large-scale war unless the hostilities end in the near future. I regard the situation as most complicated and unpredictable,” Mr Areshev said.

Asked about the reasons for Azerbaijan’s attacks in early April, the expert said:

“We can give only a partial answer to this question. I think official Baku believes that early April is the best moment for external and internal factors facilitating such actions. I cannot fully understand the grounds for such conclusions in Baku. I think the Nagorno-Karabakh army will soon show official Baku the actions taken by Baku and the forces behind it are wrong.”

Russian military experts, namely, Mr Tsyganov, told Haqqin.az that Azerbaijan’s military equipment is much more powerful than that at the Armenian side’s disposal because Azerbaijan was able to re-enforce its reserves during the ceasefire. Do you share the opinion given the fact that Russia is supplier of the weapons and last night Azerbaijan used a Smerch multiple rocket launcher it had purchased from Russia?

I find it difficult to comment on Mr Tsyganok’s statement. I would say that it is not only the formal power, but also a number of other factors that ensure a military potential – it is common knowledge. I think Armenia and Karabakh on the one hand, and Azerbaijan on the other hand, have equal military potential, which rules out a Blitzkrieg. The defense army’s successful actions are evidence thereof. And the best evidence is the lack of success reports by Azerbaijan and its disseminating disinformation on alleged success. As to the use of offensive weapons, we can see Azerbaijan is not quite effective. According to confirmed information, the Armenian forces destroyed one of the TOS-1A “Solntsepyok” systems even before it was used. Let us wait for further developments, which will show the effectiveness of the weapons at Azerbaijan’s disposal. I would like to say that Azerbaijan is using not only Russian weapons, but also Israeli drones, probably Turkish weapons, during different attacks. We are well aware of Armenia’s reaction to Russian-Azerbaijani military cooperation. My personal opinion is that any cooperation with a side that resorts to shelling settlements using such destructive weapons must be suspended if not smashed at all.