Iran gives priority to expansion of ties

IRNA, Iran
June 1, 2005 Wednesday 1:43 PM EST

with neighboring states Tabriz, East Azarbaijan prov, May 31, IRNA
Iran-Ties-Armenia Iran’s Ambassador to Yerevan Ali-Reza Haqiqian on
Tuesday referred to expansion of multifaceted relations with the
neighboring countries in line with the policy of promoting regional
peace, stability, balance, security and welfare in the region as one
of the basic principles of Iran.

Speaking at inaugural ceremony of a conference held by Iranian and
Armenian tradesmen, he added that given the historical commonalties
and peaceful communication between the two nations, the two countries
should further bolster cooperation.

“The economic potentials of the two states and the interests
associated with the privilege of being neighbors justify making
optimum use of the favorable conditions.

He hoped to witness the achievements of Iranian and Armenian
tradesmen after the necessary grounds are prepared by the officials
of both countries for such cooperation.

Stressing that bolstering mutual ties is one of the objectives of the
high-ranking officials of the two states, the Iranian diplomat said,
“Establishment of Aras Free Trade and Industrial Zone, joint
construction of Nowzar bridge and Armenia’s access to the remarkable
facilities of East Azarbaijan province will serve as a proper
infrastructure to strengthen collaboration between the two states.

He reiterated the need to hold similar conferences in Iran and
Armenia and noted that looking for new fields of cooperation and
struggling to use the available potentials requires close assistance
of the officials in charge.

The two-day conference is held at the premises of Tabriz Chamber of
Commerce, Industries and Mines.

During the seminar, the attending tradesmen and industrialist will
discuss trade cooperation between the two countries.