Armenia: bridge between Iran and the CIS
RA Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan and President of the Islamic Republic of Iran Mahmud Ahmadinejad had a meeting today at the presidential residence of the Islamic Republic of Iran. The RA Prime Minister expressed confidence that the official visit to Iran will bring a new sweep to the strengthening of Armenian-Iranian economic ties that are still not at the level of political relations.
Tigran Sargsyan and Mahmud Ahmadinejad discussed economic projects of bilateral interests. In his turn, Mahmud Ahmadinejad stated that there is no limit for bringing the quality of economic ties closer to that of political relations and Iran is ready to support all initiatives.
The RA Prime Minister reaffirmed RA President Serzh Sargsyan's invitation for the Iranian president's visit to Armenia. Mahmud Ahmadinejad requested that the Prime Minister convey his warmest wishes to the RA President and the Armenian people and the RA Prime Minister expressed gratitude to the Iranian authorities for their generous attitude toward the Armenian community.
The interlocutors attached importance to the establishment of enterprises, the cooperation in the banking sphere and other issues of bilateral interest. The sides mentioned that Armenia can become an important bridge for the strengthening of relations between Iran and the countries of the CIS.
The annual volume of circulation of products between Armenia and Iran has reached one billion
Within the framework of the visit to the Islamic Republic of Iran, RA Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan had a meeting with First Vice President of Iran Mohammad Resa Rahimi on October 25 and the sides discussed issues related to further deepening of economic cooperation.
The annual volume of circulation of products with Armenia is currently 400,000,000 dollars and Mohammad Resa Rahimi stressed that that number must reach 1 billion. Armenia is currently carrying out four projects of strategic importance with Iran, including the Iran-Armenia petrol terminal, the railway, the third high-volt electro-communication line and the construction of a hydroelectric station near the Arax River.
After the meeting with the First Vice President of Iran, Tigran Sargsyan had a meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Manuchehr Mottaki. The sides discussed regional issues, Iran's relations with neighboring countries and issues related to nuclear programs. The Iranian side made proposals, which will be discussed in detail during the ensuing session of the Armenian-Iranian inter-governmental commission.
During the visit Tigran Sargsyan visited the site where the new RA Embassy will be built, as well as the current embassy, the St. Sargis Church of the Prelacy of the Armenian Diocese in Tehran where the RA delegation was greeted by Father Varazdat.
In the evening, the Armenian delegation visited the "Ararat" sport-cultural complex where the RA Prime Minister toured the complex and got acquainted with the athletic achievements of the Iranian-Armenian youth.
