Islamic Republic News Agency IRNA, Iran
March 13 2009

Iran: Mottaki: Common history, culture inspire better Iran-Armenia ties

Iran’s Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki pointed to the common
history and culture as the elements which inspire better ties between
Iran and Armenia.

In a meeting with his Armenian counterpart Edward Nalbandian in
Yerevan, Mottaki referred to the deep-rooted positive relations
between the two countries and said stability and security in the
Caucasus greatly affected development process in the region specially
in energy sector.

Outlining Iran’s Caucasian policies, he said the agreements made by
the Iran-Armenia joint commission should be earnestly followed up so
that during the visit of the Armenian president to Iran, which will
take place upon an invitation by Iran’s President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad
in the future, new horizons for mutual cooperation will arise.

Stressing the long-term impact of implementation of energy and
transportation projects on the region, he said the good performance of
Iranian contractors in Armenia in construction sector will help build
more solid ties between the two nations.

Mottaki also voiced Iran’s readiness to mediate between conflicting
parties in Karabakh dispute.

Nalbandian referred to finalization of a power plant project on Aras
river which runs on Iran-Armenia border, a railway road and improving
banking cooperation as the future ventures to be carried out by Iran
and Armenia.

He also praised Iran’s position on Karabakh conflict for being a
balanced and constructive one.