Armenia and Iran determined to enhance their economic ties
YEREVAN, January 27. /ARKA/. Armenia appreciates highly the current level of political dialogue with Iran, as well as close trade and economic ties, Armenian Foreign Minister Ara Aivaziyan said today during a meeting with the Iranian delegation, led by the Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Zarif.
“This meeting is a good occasion to exchange our thoughts on how to enhance our partnership and also determine our next steps. I am sure that by joint efforts we will be able to further strengthen and develop our mutually beneficial cooperation,” Aivazian said.
Noting that Iran is the fourth largest trade partner of Armenia, Aivazian stated that stimulation of trade and economic ties occupies an important place in relations.
“The Armenian-Iranian agenda is quite rich being based on centuries-old friendly relations linking our two peoples. Our friendship is the best example of intercultural dialogue and living side by side of different religions and civilizations, based on mutual trust and respect. This is the key to achieving peace and stability in the region,” the Armenian Foreign Minister said.
Zarif, in turn, noted that there have always been good and friendly relations between Iran and Armenia - the countries of ancient civilizations, both states have faced various shocks in their history, but always emerged victorious.
“Our history is more than hours, years or centuries; throughout history we have always remained friends. Our borders have always been the borders of cooperation and friendship. We are confident that this will remain so,” he said.
According to Zarif, after gaining independence, Armenia has always been a friendly country to Iran, and Iran considers Armenia an important neighbor, a state that can symbolically be called a country of cultural dialogues and cooperation.
In 2020, despite the negative consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Armenian-Iranian trade turnover did not undergo significant changes, and exports even increased slightly, reaching about $74 million in the first 10 months of 2020, up from $71 million in the first ten months of 2019.
Iranian investments in Armenia and Armenian investments in Iran indicate that the Armenian-Iranian trade and economic relations have great untapped potential.
In the energy sector, the Gas for Electricity program is being implemented. The construction of the 3rd high-voltage transmission line is underway, which is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2021. The implementation of the program will dramatically increase the volume of exchange and sale of gas and electricity.
From the point of view of enhancing bilateral trade and economic ties, the Meghri free economic zone created on the border with Iran is also important. -0-
