RIA Novosti, Russia
Jan 15 2005

ARMENIA-IRAN RELATIONS MARKED IN 2004 WITH START OF GAS PIPELINE
LAYING

YEREVAN, January 15 (RIA Novosti) – The main achievement of the
Armenian-Iranian relations in 2004 was the beginning of the
construction of the Iran-Armenia gas pipeline’s Armenian section, as
well as the commissioning of the second high-voltage transmission
line “Agarak-Shinuair,” reads the final report of Armenian Foreign
Minister Vardan Oskanyan for 2004 provided by the Armenian Foreign
Ministry information and press department.

The report notes that among the priority tasks of Armenia-Iran
relations in the sphere of the economy is the construction of the
Kajaran tunnel, a hydropower plant on the border river Araks, as well
as boosting cooperation in the field of alternative power industry.

In line with the report, intensive dialogue on further development of
political ties continued between Armenia and Iran in 2004. It is
noted that during the first official visit by Iranian President
Mohammad Khatami to Armenia in September 2004, the two countries’
heads discussed a wide range of issues relating to perspectives of
bilateral cooperation. After the two presidents’ meeting, an
agreement on the principles and fundamentals of cooperation between
Armenia and Iran was signed.