On December 18 Mr. Tigarn Torosyan, President of the National Assembly, received Mr. Alireza Haghighian, the Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Armenia, following the completion of his mission.

Evaluating the Ambassador’s contribution to the development of relations between the two countries, Mr. Tigran Torosyan, President of the National Assembly, thanked him and noted that the traditional friendly relationship gained new quality during this period, economic ties were deepened and mutual visits took place. The President of the National Assembly also highlighted the development of cultural ties, regarding them as an opportunity of strengthening practical ties. According to him, not only the centuries long friendship but also mutual interests, promoting the development of the two countries, are at the base of building ties between Armenia and Iran. Mr. Tigran Torosyan, highly assessing the Ambassador’s activity highlighted that bases were also created during these years for the realization of the new programs and projects.

Mr. Alireza Haghighian, the Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Armenia conveyed congratulations and best wishes of New Year and Christmas to the President of the National Assembly on behalf of Mr. Gholam Ali Haddad Adel, Iranian Parliament Speaker and reassured the NA President’s official visit to Tehran. He also highly assessed the relations of the two countries, also highlighting them in the context of regional peace and stability. For having the support of the parliament during the years he worked in Armenia the Ambassador expressed his gratitude to the President of the National Assembly, assuring that he will remain a friend of Armenia.

Mr. Tigran Torosyan, President of the National Assembly thanked the Iranian Parliament Speaker for the best wishes and invitation but noted that as the autumn session of the National Assembly was very full with the regular and extraordinary sittings, there was no opportunity to visit IRI this year. He expressed hope that the official visit should take place after the presidential elections in 2008.