FM PRAISES IRAN-ARMENIA RELATIONS

Fars News Agency, Iran
July 20 2007

TEHRAN (Fars News Agency)- Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki
voiced pleasure in Tehran-Yerevan developing ties in recent years
and further praised the remarkable achievements of the two states’
relations.

According to a statement released by the Foreign Ministry Information
and Press Bureau, Mottaki made the remarks in the 7th meeting of
Iran-Armenia joint cooperation commission in Yerevan on Friday.

During the meeting, Mottaki noted the prospects of the two countries’
relations and said, "The two countries’ ties have fortunately
experienced growing development in recent years and the two states’
mutual ties have resulted in remarkable achievements for both sides."

He also lauded the two nations’ strong bonds and relations, and said
that Iran-Armenia cooperation in transportation, trade exchange,
energy, oil and gas sectors indicates a growing trend in the two
countries’ relations.

Mottaki hoped that the two states’ annual trade and economic exchanges
would increase from the present $200 mln to $ 1 bln in the next year.

He also said that agreement on the construction of Aras water power
plant, feasibility studies over direct rail connection between the
two countries, primary talks and formation of a trilateral committee
for the construction of an oil refinery in Armenia by Iran, Russia and
Armenia, and establishment of Iran-Armenia trade center by the private
sector are among those areas which could cause further expansion of
Iran-Armenia relations.