September 17, 2001 - 22:42 AMT
RUSSIAN PRESIDENT'S FIRST OFFICIAL VISIT TO ARMENIA COMPLETED
Russian President's first official visit to Armenia is completed. Five documents are signed following the meeting and negotiations in Yerevan: "Treaty on long-term economic cooperation between the Russian Federation and the Republic of Armenia till 2010," as well as inter-governmental agreements "On the principles of cooperation between the subjects of the Russian Federation and the district administrations of Armenia," "On cooperation in the field of tourism," "On mutual recognition of academic statuses and degrees," "On mutual protection and encouragement of capital investments." In Armenia the Russian President held meetings with President Robert Kocharian, Chairman of the Parliament Armen Khachatrian, Catholicos of all Armenians Garegin II. Here the working meeting of Presidents Vladimir Putin and Robert Kocharian with representatives of the Russian and Armenian business circles also took place. Within the framework of the visit Vladimir Putin visited Matenadaran museum-storehouse of ancient manuscripts and Yerevan State University. The Russian President was granted the title of honorary doctor by the decision of YSU Academic Council. Vladimir Putin also became the first Russian President, who laid wreathes to the memorial of the victims of the Armenian genocide in Ottoman Turkey 1915.