PRESIDENT KHATAMI STATED THAT EXPANSION OF ARMENIAN-IRANIAN COOPERATION WOULD STRENGTHEN REGIONAL SECURITY

PanARMENIAN.Net - 09.11.2000, MEDIAMAX, YEREVAN. "The presence of foreign powers in the region is insulting and poses a threat to the regional security and stability. The regional countries can provide security without relying on the outsiders." Such a statement was made by the Iranian President Mohammad Khatami during the November 8 Tehran meeting with the Armenian Defence Minister and the Secretary of the Armenian Security Council Serge Sargssyan.

IRNA informs that during the meeting Sargssyan termed relations between Iran and Armenia as 'excellent'. The Defence Minister of Armenia submitted a written message from Armenian President Robert Kocharian, to President Khatami. Pointed to friendly relations between Iran and Armenia, President Khatami said the expansion of cooperation between the two countries would strengthen regional security and stability. He underlined the need for strong ties between the two countries, given the fact that they are neighbors and share common stances on many regional and international issues. President Khatami expressed hope that the problem of Kharabakh would be solved peacefully. --0--