On September 30, within the framework of his official visit to the Islamic Republic of Iran (IRI) RA NA Speaker Mr. Hovik Abrahamyan met with the IRI President Mr. Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and the Iraqi Parliament Speaker Mr. Ayad al-Samarrai, as well as visited national establishments of the Iranian-Armenians and talked to the representatives of the Armenian community in that country.

In the evening of September 30, the meeting of the NA Speaker Mr. Hovik Abrahamyan with the IRI President Mr. Mahmoud Ahmadinejad took place. Conveying the warm greetings of RA President to his Iranian partner, Mr. Abrahamyan expressed  gratitude of the Armenian side on the warm Armenian-Iranian relations and development of practical cooperation. In that context, the NA Speaker highly assessed the role of the Parliaments of the two countries in enhancement and strengthening of the cooperation.

The interlocutors also discussed the agreements reached between the presidents of the two countries during the RA President Mr. Serzh Sargsian's official visit to Iran in April of this year, as well as the issues of the implementation of the programmes indicated by them, drawing special attention to the project of the new railway connecting Armenia and Iran with each other. The sides also referred to the steps to be taken towards their implementation. They discussed in detail the issues of regional security.

Before visiting the IRI President, the RA NA delegation visited the IRI Parliament where the Speakers of the Armenian and Iranian Parliaments Mr. Hovik Abrahamian and Mr. Ali Larijani signed a memorandum of mutual understanding.

In the afternoon of September 30, the RA NA Speaker met the Iraqi Parliament Speaker Mr. Ayad al-Samarrai who was also on an official visit in Tehran. Mr. Abrahamian pointed out to the traditional warm relations between the Armenian and Iraqi people and proposed to reestablish and enliven the contacts, which were interrupted because of the crisis in Iraq in 2003. The Iraqi Parliament Speaker admitted the proposal. He highly assessed the role of the Iraqi-Armenian community in the life of his country noting that it can naturally contribute to the contacts between the two countries.

In the morning of September 30, the delegation headed by the NA Speaker visited the mausoleum of the founder of the Islamic Republic of Iran Imam Khomeini. There Mr. Abrahamian laid flowers and made notes in the book of honorable guests.

The same day the NA Speaker Mr. Hovik Abrahamyan visited the St. Sarkis Church, residence of the eparchy of the Armenian Diocese in Tehran. There he laid down a wreath at the memorial to the victims of the Armenian Genocide and then had a meeting with the representatives of the Iranian-Armenian community.

Referring to the process of normalization of the Armenian-Turkish relations Mr. Abrahamyan particularly said, "We understand the anxiety of our brothers and sisters in Diaspora. I assure you that the Armenian authorities will never allow the process of recognition of the Armenian Genocide to be dependent upon normalization of the Armenian-Turkish relations. Similarly, the conditioning of these relations with regulation of Artsakh issue is also unacceptable. Neither the recognition of the Armenian Genocide and nor the issue of free self-determination of Artsakh people are liable to bargaining”.

On September 30, a reception was held at "Ararat" sport-culture complex of Tehran on the 18th anniversary of Armenia's independence in which the delegation of the Armenian Parliament also took part.

Early in the morning of October 1, the delegation headed by NA Speaker Mr. Hovik Abrahamian returned from Tehran to Yerevan.

The speech of the Speaker of the National Assembly Mr. Hovik Abrahamyan at the “Ararat” sport-culture complex in
Tehran on October 30, 2009,

“Your Eminence,

Dear compatriots, honorable representatives of Iranian-Armenian community

Dear guests,

Dear Ambassadors,

Respected representatives of diplomatic corps,

I am very glad to be at “Ararat” sport-culture complex today, where we gathered to celebrate the holiday of Armenian Independence. This solemn celebration organized on this significant day is a good opportunity to give a meaning once again to the process of the establishment of our independent state.    

18 years ago declaring its independence by referendum the Armenian people established our third republic. In that way we confirmed our united will to build an independent, modern statehood. After a long pause, the reestablishment of the independent statehood of Armenia was the result of rise and unity of the Armenian people.

Here, in Tehran, I see a great symbol in organization of this celebration at “Ararat” sport-culture complex. This event confirms the unity of the two parts of the Armenian people, Mother Armenia and Diaspora.

I am fully aware of the fact that the delegation headed by me was honored with cordial welcome by the leaders of the Islamic Republic of Iran mainly conditioned by posture and characteristics of the Iranian-Armenians. The latter has deservedly acquired that respect and good reputation both in Tehran and in Mother Armenia.

I heartily congratulate all of us on this significant celebration. I am sure that in future the proud spirit of independence will become practical with new creative rises of the Armenian people. I am also certain that the unity of Mother Armenia and Diaspora will level a road for new victories of the Armenian people.

I wish all of us success, prosperity and happiness for the benefit of independent statehood of Armenia and friendship between Armenia and Iran.

Thank you”.