Iran-Armenia Joint Economic Commission meets in Yerevan

Mehr News Agency, Iran
July 20 2007

TEHRAN, July 20 (MNA) ~V The seventh session of the Iran-Armenia Joint
Economic Cooperation Commission was held in Yerevan on Friday. The
commission was chaired by Iranian Foreign Minister Manuchehr Mottaki
and Armenian Energy Minister Armen Movsisyan. The commission discussed
cooperation in the areas of trade, energy, health, transportation,
science, culture, as well as provincial and legal cooperation.

Mottaki said ties between Iran and Armenia have risen significantly
over the last few years.

~SWe have witnessed good relations between two nations over
centuries~T and continued commercial ties are examples of progressive
bilateral relations, Mottaki said.

He mentioned the implementation of joint projects such as construction
of the Iran-Armenia gas pipeline, electricity transmission lines,
and a wind power station in Armenia as examples of growing economic
cooperation between the neighbors.

The Iranian top diplomat also pointed to an agreement to construct
the Aras hydroelectric power station, establishing railway system
between the two states, an initial agreement for forming a trilateral
committee consisting of Iran, Russia and Armenia for building a
refinery in Armenia, and establishing a joint trade center as among
other avenues for upgrading ties.

The Armenian energy minister also expressed satisfaction over the
growing Tehran-Yerevan ties, adding that Armenia is prepared to take
large steps for expansion of bilateral ties.