The 14th Iran-Armenia Joint Economic Commission session, which aimed to boost bilateral trade turnover, came to an end on Monday in the Iranian capital of Tehran, reports.
Speaking at the closing ceremony of the session, Iran’s Energy Minister said holding of the meeting and exchange of delegations were signs of strong determination of both sides to bolster and expand cooperation as all levels.
“Iran pursues the policy of deepening multilateral ties with all neighboring states,” noted the official adding “progress and development of Armenia and success of its government and nation are deemed as onwards moving of Iran.”
The Iranian official maintained that volume of trade turnover between Iran and Armenia has been disproportionate to political relations of the two sides; “similar sessions are expected to pave the path for reinvigoration of bilateral ties.”
Chitchian, while recalling that Tehran and Yerevan inked a comprehensive cooperation document during the Joint Economic Commission session, urged all committees and working groups to implement provisions of the agreement.
“The document envisions cooperation in the fields of energy, electricity exchange, natural gas, Aras River environmental, banking and insurance, trade and economy.”
He added that based on the deal, which is signed on the eve of the visit of President Rouhani to Armenia, Iran will establish free trade zone on Armenian territory.
Also at the closing ceremony, Armenian Minister of Energy Infrastructure and Natural Resources Ashot Manukyan said the 14th edition of the session marked a cornerstone for further collaborations between Tehran and Yerevan asserting “the event remains as a turning point in age-old relations between the two countries, a point which marks the commencement of an indefatigable endeavor.”
He further expressed optimism that, with perseverance, efforts of both parties would yield fruitful results in the near future.
The volume of trade turnover between Iran and Armenia currently stands at over 400 million dollars and given that the Caucasus region country is allowed to export more than 6,000 groups of commodities to the EU by payment of customs duties, Iran could grasp the opportunity to deploy its goods to Europe through Armenia at lower costs.