Yerevan & Tehran discuss constructing power transmission line, oil pipeline & hydropower plant on Araks

YEREVAN, October 24. /ARKA/. Armenia and Iran are discussing construction of the third high-voltage transmission line Armenia-Iran, joint hydropower plants on the Araks River and an oil pipeline, as well as a step-up of oil and chemical cooperation. 

As Armenia’s Energy Minister Armen Movsisyan said at the Armenian-Iranian intergovernmental commission meeting in Yerevan, high-level political relations between the two states oblige both of them to ensure the appropriate activity in economic collaboration. 

“To step up the transport, particularly, railway communication between the two states, is very important. The sides have already discussed the project on railway construction, and the states expressed their readiness and interest in implementing it,” Energy and Natural Resources Ministry quotes Movsisyan.

Armenia and Iran saw a rise in bilateral commercial turnover as they activated economic cooperation. 

Trade turnover between the two states are at the highest level throughout the whole history of the bilateral cooperation, Minister said.

“However the total physical volumes are not sufficient and the existing high potential makes us seek to improve these indicators within a short period of time. I think, private commercial structures can significantly contribute to this sphere. Enhancing cooperation between the bodies, encouraging joint investments and organizing other analogical events will also contribute to this,” he noted.

“The current high level of Armenian-Iranian relations, based on the mutual trust, is the key to deepening mutually beneficial cooperation between our countries, and I believe, by common efforts we will give additional impetus to implementing joint projects.”

On his side, Iranian co-chair of the commission, Energy Minister of Iran Majid Namjou noted the both states have high-level political and economic relations, which are developing in an atmosphere of mutual understanding.

“In reference to implementation of joint projects, we have, obviously, registered progress, however we should acknowledge there are obstacles, which slow down the implementation. Along with all the accomplishments, the results are not satisfactory for us, and we should make everything possible for overcoming the obstacles and reaching further progress,” he said.

During the meeting the sides discussed the issues related to commerce and economy, energy, transport and communication, mining industry, health, agriculture, labor and social affairs, education, culture and interregional cooperation.

Memorandum on mutual understanding is said to be signed following the meeting on October 25.

On 23 December 2011, Presidents of Armenia and Iran Serzh Sargsyan and Mahmoud Ahmadinejad instructed the ministers of the both states to start implementing strategic programs on construction of oil pipeline and railway Iran-Armenia, as well as hydropower plant on the Araks river in 2012.

Armenian-Iranian intergovernmental commission was summoned in 1992 in line with formation of diplomatic relations between the two states. -0-