VARTAN OSKANIAN: RELATIONS BETWEEN ARMENIA AND IRAN ARE ON A VERY HIGH LEVEL
armradio.am
25.10.2007 15:58
"The relations between the two countries are so good that it’s not
worth focusing on protocol questions." This is how RA Foreign Minister
Vartan Oskanian commented on Iranian President Mahmod Ahmadinejads
departure from Armenia ahead of time. In the Minister’s words,
the terms of the visit can change if necessary, and this is a usual
practice in international practice.
Nevertheless, the Foreign Minister described Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s
visit to Armenia as productive. Vartan Oskanian declared that the
relations between Armenia and Iran are on a very high level. According
to him, the joint projects of Armenia of Iran are not only of
bilateral, but also great regional importance.
Mr. Oskanian said the Armenian and Iranian parties have the intention
to sign an agreement on free trade regime, but the document is not
ready so far. "Iran is a huge market for us," the Minister clarified.
Meantime, he reminded that Armenia has certain commitments before
international organizations and the question must be properly
considered for the agreement with Iran not to counter these
commitments. "However, the issue is on the agenda of bilateral
relations, the Presidents discussed it, the parties expressed
their will to sign such an agreement, and I’m assured it will be
realized. Simply, the agreement was not ready to be signed during
the current visit," the Foreign Minister said.