IRAN TO BUILD TWO WIND POWER PLANTS IN ARMENIA
ITAR-TASS
Oct 23 2007
Russia
YEREVAN, October 22 (Itar-Tass) – Iran will build two wind power plants
in Armenia. The central banks of the two countries will cooperate
in the banking sector, according to documents signed within Iranian
President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s official visit to Armenia.
Armenia and Iran also signed an agreement on mutual encouragement
of investments. Yerevan and Tehran are planning to open consulates
general in different cities of the two countries, the documents say.
"We agreed to carry out the projects, which would be jointly
implemented," Armenian President Robert Kocharyan said. Special
attention was riveted to energy interaction: the sides consented to
continue the construction of the gas pipeline to Armenia via Iran.
Armenia and Iran have decided to continue the construction of a
gas pipeline and build an oil refinery on the border between the
two countries.
Iran is "an extremely important partner for Armenia" and there is a
"rich agenda" between the two countries, Kocharyan said.
He noted particularly energy cooperation.
The two leaders discussed the possibility of linking the two countries’
railroads. These plans are in the stage of calculations because
"economic programme should be beneficial for both sides".
Armenian-Iranian talks focused on the development of bilateral
relations, the use of economic possibilities and mutual encouragement
of investments, Ahmadinejad said.
Summing up the results of his Monday talks with Armenian President
Robert Kocharyan, Ahmadinejad said he is convinced the Iranian-Armenian
talks centred "on the development of bilateral relations, the use of
economic possibilities and mutual encouragement of investments".
In his view, "the two countries have opportunities to develop bilateral
relations." Among promising fields of economic cooperation, the Iranian
president named "energy, oil and gas, nuclear power engineering,
transport and mutual investments". He stressed that there "are no
restrictions for developing cooperation with Armenia".
"Relations between the two countries are solid and stable. They are
developing dynamically after Armenia proclaimed its independence,"
Ahmadinejad said. In his view, "an independent and developed Armenia
will benefit the region and facilitate security in the region."
Ahmadinejad stressed, "All countries of the region should live side by
side in a friendly and peaceful atmosphere." "There are no problems,
which can’t be solved by talks on a fair base," he said.
"Iran is using its possibilities to solve all regional problems by
peaceful means," Ahmadinejad said.
Prior to leaving for Yerevan, the Iranian leader said that during
the two-day official visit he expected to sign several memorandums
giving a boost to bilateral ties.
"Iran and Armenia cooperate well in different spheres, in particular on
power engineering and trade," Ahmadinejad said. "At talks with Robert
Kocharyan I plan to put emphasis on the expansion and deepening of
relations between the two countries."
"Our states actively cooperate on transport and capital investments,"
he noted. He also hailed a political dialogue with Yerevan, noting
that the two countries have common stances on many issues.
"During this visit, which is being made at the invitation of the
Armenian president and returns his visit to Tehran, we are planning
to sign a number of memorandums. I hope this trip will help expand
relations between the two countries," the Iranian leader said.
The Iranian president is accompanied in the trip by his first deputy
Parviz Dawoodi, as well as the heads of the defence and oil ministries.
During the trip, he also plans to visit Yerevan State University
to meet with students and professors. He will make a speech to
representatives of the Iranian community in the Armenian capital.
According to Iranian press, 3,000 Iranian students studying at
different higher educational establishments of Armenia are a major
factor in the development of bilateral relations.
Trade between the two countries stands at 200 U.S. million dollars.