Saturday, 1 June 2013
Tigran Sargsyan Meets Dmitry Medvedev
Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan had a private meeting with RF Head of Government Dmitry Medvedev in Minsk to discuss a wide range of issues regarding the Armenian-Russian ties of allied partnership.
Reference was made to the integration processes underway in the Eurasian region and the format suitable for Armenia’s participation. Tigran Sargsyan pointed out that a few technical issues needed clarifying in order to decide which way to go.
In this context, the Armenian Premier said to have discussed with Head of Eurasian Economic Commission Viktor Hristenko the possibility of signing a bilateral memorandum.
Either Dmitry Medvedev stressed the importance of Armenia’s involvement in Eurasian integration processes, adding that it was only question of finding a proper format.
Turning to energy cooperation, Tigran Sargsyan said there is full mutual understanding with Rosatom CEO Sergey Kirienko on the financing scheme applicable to the new nuclear unit. The two sides had arranged that they would first of all work toward extending the lifespan of the older plant, and as a second stage, they would be looking at the construction of a new NPP in Armenia.
Concerning the 30% gas price subsidy, the parties focused on the principles to take as a basis in providing such a subsidy. They agreed to apply it as a component of a grant facility, which may be subject to further discussion.
Down to the proposed donors’ conference for Armenia, Dmitry Medvedev reassured of Russia’s readiness to participate therein and make it a success.
In conclusion, the two heads of government discussed ways of boosting bilateral trade turnover and implementing other joint programs.
