IRANIAN AMBASSADOR TO ARMENIA: IRAN CONSIDERS RELATIONS WITH ARMENIA PRIOR
TABRIZ, JUNE 1. ARMINFO. Within the framework of peaceful policy
aiming peaceful coexistence, strengthening of stability and security
in the Caucasus, Iran is interested in extension and strengthening of
versatile relations with the neighboring states. Iranian Ambassador
to Yerevan Ali-Reza Khakikyan made this statement in Tabriz today
where a conference of Iranian and Armenian businessmen is held.
Ambassador Khakikyan says that Iran considers the relations with
Armenia as prior taking into account the cultural and historical
commonness and peaceful coexistence of the two countries’ peoples.
“Economic priorities proceeding from the commonness of interests in
the sphere of trade as well as the effective role of the transit cargo
transportation necessitate development of bilateral cooperation and
use of the existing possibilities of Iran with Armenian businessmen,”
Khakikyan said. He expressed hope for “establishment of the necessary
conditions for development of cooperation by Iranian and Armenian
authorities will contribute to strengthening of ties of the two
countries’ businessmen.”
The iranian Ambassador also expressed the interest of the Iranian ad
Armenian leadership in development and extension of the bilateral
cooperation, adding the “activity of the free economic area Aras ”
as well as joint construction of the Bridge Nurduz on the frontier
River of Araks linking Iranian ostan Eastern Azerbayjan as a transport
infrastructure contribute to implementation of this goal. Khakikyan
pointed out the importance of joint conferences of the two countries’
businessmen and came out for continuation of these contacts calling the
Iranian and Armenian authorities for contribution to this cooperation.
To note, in 2004 the commodity turnover between Armenia and Iran
grew 8.8%, totaling $100 mln, which is 4/9% of the total structure
of foreign trade of Armenia. Export of Armenian goods to Iran made
up $28 mln, import $72 mln.