Armenian-Iraqi high-level meetings held at the residence of the President

A private meeting between the Presidents of Armenia and Iraq Vahagn Khachaturian and Abdul Latif Jamal Rashid took place today at the residence of the President of the Republic of Armenia followed by the extended meeting of the delegations of the two countries.

Welcoming the visit of the delegation led by the President of Iraq to Armenia, the President of the Republic of Armenia noted that the visit is historic being the first time that the President of the Republic of Iraq visits Armenia since the independence of Armenia.

In his speech, President Vahagn Khachaturyan specifically noted, "It is a great privilege for us to host you in the Republic of Armenia. Your visit is historic since it is the first time the President of Iraq has visited Armenia further emphasizing the friendship between our countries and peoples. This visit will certainly contribute to the further development of relations between our countries."

Expressing his gratitude for the warm hospitality, Iraqi President Abdul Latif Jamal Rashid noted, "It is a great honor for me to be the first President of Iraq to visit Armenia. I would also be glad to host you in the Republic of Iraq in the near future within the framework of your official visit, which will serve as an impetus for further deepening of the existing relations between our countries."

During the meeting, the sides discussed a wide range of issues related to the consistent promotion of multi-level cooperation between Armenia and Iraq. President Khachaturyan underscored that Iraq, being the Arab country closest to Armenia geographically, is one of the most important and reliable partners in the Middle East and the Arab world.

In this context, the importance of the factor of the Iraqi Armenian community in the relations between the two countries was emphasized. The President of the Republic of Armenia noted that the Armenian people are grateful to the friendly people of Iraq for hosting and providing shelter to the Armenian survivors of the Genocide.

During the conversation, both sides highly valued the active cooperation between the legislative bodies of Armenia and Iraq and attached importance to the efforts aimed at the further promotion of parliamentary diplomacy.

In his speech, Iraqi President Abdul Latif Jamal Rashid highlighted the initiation of joint programs for the exchange of best practices between Armenia and Iraq in the fields of trade, economy and particularly high technologies, as well as mutual visits at various levels. The President of Iraq emphasized that currently there are various areas of cooperation of mutual interest for Armenian-Iraqi business circles and in this regard, high-level political visits play a significant role in building business contacts and a cooperative atmosphere.

Touching upon the prospects for the development of political and economic relations between the two countries, the President noted that presently there is a great potential for deepening the mutually beneficial trade and economic cooperation.

During the meeting, ideas were exchanged on the possibility of direct flights between the two countries and facilitation of the visa regime.

At the meeting, President Vahagn Khachaturyan addressed the general regional realities and developments. In this context, the President conveyed to his Iraqi counterpart the details about the "Crossroads of Peace" concept, which is aimed at establishing sustainable and lasting peace in the South Caucasus region, opening communications and borders between the countries of the region. Vahagn Khachaturyan underscored that Armenia has is firm in its commitment to achieve sustainable peace, and settle the existing issues with neighbors through constructive dialogue and negotiations.

Toward the end of the meeting, the President of the Republic thanked his counterpart for the invitation to visit the Republic of Iraq and noted that mutual political, economic and touristic visits contribute to familiarizing with one another, establishing new ties and relations and identifying new opportunities for cooperation.