Yerevan, August 20, Armenpress - Armenian and Russian presidents Robert Kocharian and Vladimir Putin met today at the residential house of president Putin in Sochi.

Expressing his gratitude for accepting the invitation, V. Putin mentioned that some of the issues have been ripe for discussion. Though well-developed relations are reported in political and other fields, there are some issues which raise concerns, particularly he mentioned the trade turnover between the two countries for the first quarter of the year. V. Putin noted that both sides are aware of the reasons of such decline and voiced his hope that during the meeting possible solution will be discussed.

Expressing thanks for the invitation, president Robert Kocharian noted that decline in trade turnover is conditioned with the liberalization of diamond market and modernization in Armenal, a Russian foil subsidiary. According to Armenian president, it is expected that industrial output will double in Armenal after modernization. In terms of cooperation in other fields, it is inclined more to growth.

V. Putin mentioned that Russian sides has fully satisfied the Armenian applications to study at Russian military higher education establishment and the number of students may total 150. R. Kocharian asked to be strict with Armenian students and treat them as Russian cadets rather than foreigners. V. Putin fully agreed with R. Kocharian mentioning that there are some technical matters which will soon be resolved and expressed readiness to satisfy any application for study in Russian higher educational establishments.