Armenia and Iraq interested in developing bilateral relations in all directions

YEREVAN, November 22. /ARKA/. Armenian President Vahagn Khachaturian received today Iraqi President Abdullah Latif Rashid, who is the first Iraqi leader to pay an official visit to Armenia.

Khachaturian told a press briefing that the sides discussed a set of issues of mutual interest, as well as the establishment of peace in the region.

At the end of the meeting the sides also adopted a joint statement reflecting the mutual desire for the development of bilateral relations in all directions.

Khachaturian presented to his counterpart the "Crossroads of Peace" project, designed by the government to enhance communication between Armenia, Turkey, Azerbaijan and Iran through infrastructure development, including roads, railways, pipelines, cables and electricity lines.

"Armenia is interested in unblocking regional economic and transport communications based on respect for countries' sovereignty, jurisdiction and principles of equality and reciprocity and is ready to realize this as soon as possible, which in turn will ensure security and stability in the region," Khachaturian said.

According to Armenia’s National Statistical Committee, the trade turnover between Armenia and Iraq in the first 9 months of this year amounted to $137.7 million, decreasing by 18.4% compared to the same period last year.

Exports from Armenia amounted to $137 million (18.7% decline), while imports amounted to $662,400 (94.1% growth). -0-