Next session of Armenian-Russian intergovernmental commission on economic cooperation will be held in second half of 2012 in Yerevan

YEREVAN, February 7. /ARKA/. The next 14th session of the Armenian-Russian intergovernmental commission on economic cooperation will be held in the second half of 2012 in Yerevan, the Armenian government press office told ARKA following the meeting of its co-chairs- Armenian prime minister Tigran Sargsyan and Russian transport minister Igor Levitin.

Tigran Sargsyan was said to thank Russian counterparts for effective cooperation saying all the previously reached arrangements were fulfilled. He stressed the need to move forward in this direction.

For its part Igor Levitin said the past year was successful in the context of bilateral economic cooperation, as a result the sides have reached their pre-crisis trade level.

"We must do everything possible to promote and facilitate this progress in the future," Levitin was quoted as saying.

The parties also discussed the management of free economic zones to be created in Armenia, delivery of agricultural machinery to Armenia by Russian Rosagroleasing, the opening of its office in Armenia as well as issues of humanitarian cooperation.

Thanking the Russian side for participation in events marking the 500th anniversary of the introduction of Armenian printing, the prime minister urged Russian publishers to take part in Yerevan - World Book Capital event later this year.

Following the meeting, Sargsyan and Levitin signed a protocol, as well as the concept of long-term economic cooperation until 2020, which was developed based on the 13th session of the Armenian-Russian intergovernmental commission on economic cooperation in Russian Rostov-on-Don.

The main goal of the concept is to develop basic principles and approaches for long-term cooperation between the two countries, as well as identify promising areas in bilateral trade and economic relations.

The parties will seek to diversify their economies, improve competitiveness through technological progress, as well as upgrade economic and social spheres. -0-