ARMENIA AND IRAN STRENGTHEN COOPERATION
By M. Alkhazashvili
(Translated by Diana Dundua)

The Messenger, Georgia
Oct 30 2007

The latest sign of increased Armenian-Iranian cooperation took the
form of a new highway link between the two countries through the
Meghri Pass, which officially opened on October 26.

Armenian President Robert Kocharian said it was proof of development
between Iran and Armenia at a joint news conference with Iranian
President Mahmoud Amadinejad.

"Both sides are entering a new stage of bilateral relations, which
includes cooperation in the banking sphere, [and the planned]
construction of a hydroelectric power plant on the Araks River,"
Kocharian told journalists, according to PanARMENIA news outlet.

The Armenian government hopes the 90 kilometer highway will help
Armenia become a transit country, according to the Regnum news agency.

Iran, for its part, is seeking a mediator between Iran and the West,
according to former Armenian prime minister Armen Darbinian.

He also said Iran is hoping to access Europe’s energy market via
Armenia.

"Iran’s strategic aim is to create links that will enable it access
to Europe’s energy market. Although the US is against this idea,"
Darbinian said, according to Regnum.