Potential of Iran-Armenia cooperation is used partially, Hassan Rouhani says
“The potential for cooperation between Iran and Armenia is very large. Some part of that potential has already been used and the other part is to be realized in the coming years,” Iranian President Hassan Rouhani noted at a joint press statement after the high-level negotiations held in Yerevan.
“Cooperation is especially observed in the energy sector and we should make more efforts to develop that cooperation,” he has added.
In the words of Hassan Rouhani agreements on implementing gas exchange program with Turkmenistan have been reached which will also allow to carry out gas distribution programs with other countries as well. He noted that a third direction of exchange is also needed to provide transit routes. “We need to complete the works of the transport corridor project connecting the Black Sea with the Persian Gulf and to create favourable conditions for the people of this region, as well as for the other regions,” H. Rouhani added.
The Iranian president also noted that a decision has been made to facilitate trade and economic relations between the two countries and to create privileged conditions between Armenia and Iran. “There are appropriate opportunities namely in connection with the cooperation in Araks free economic zone and other similar zones, which will enable to exchange appropriate goods and to carry out exports.”
He noted that within the framework of Eurasian Economic Union Iran has special conditions for the cooperation with Armenia and steps are taken to reach an agreement on free trade.
According to Iran’s president the cooperation between the banks and the advantages provided in that sphere are also underscored. H. Rouhani also added that high-level cooperation in the sphere of education and science is also being developed and it will be continues due to the technological opportunities.
H. Rouhani also noted that environmental issues have also been touched upon during the negotiations. “As Araks river is a common worth for both Armenian and Iranian peoples the issue of its pollution also applies to us and we hope the issue will be quickly tackled upon the assignments given by Mr. Sargsyan,” he said.
Iran’s President hopes that the large-scale cooperation between Iran and Armenia within the international organizations will be continuous.
“I hope that the agreements reached between the two in the spheres of economy, trade, science and culture during this visit will establish new platform for the further cooperation,” Hassan Rouhani concluded.