Iran is the third biggest exporter to Armenia after Russia and China, according to the head of the Trade Promotion Organization of Iran.
“Currently, Iran’s export to Armenia stands at $437 million [per year], which is targeted to reach $3 billion as per trade roadmap agreed between the two countries,” Alireza Peymanpak was also quoted as saying by IRNA.
Referring to favorable political relations between Tehran and Yerevan, and the determination of the two sides to promote trade and conclude negotiations for Iran’s free trade agreement with the Eurasian Economic Union, he said Armenia is the only member of EEU, which has a common border with Iran and is able to play link Iran with the markets of this bloc.
Peymanpak noted that the capabilities of Iran in the fields of techno-engineering services and the capacities of Iranian companies to participate in related projects in Armenia in the fields of roads and construction, renewable energy, dam construction and irrigation systems provide a suitable opportunity in Armenia.
“The exchange of gas and electricity, the presence of Iranian car manufacturers in Armenia, the production of Iranian household appliances in Armenia in the form of joint venture, the holding of various exhibitions and the construction of a refinery are among Iran’s joint programs with Armenia,” he said.
Dynamic Development in Bilateral Ties
Deputy Prime Minister of Armenia Mher Grigoryan is optimistic that the high-level political dialogue between Armenia and Iran will be a great stimulus for further deepening and strengthening bilateral cooperation.
Grigoryan was speaking at the official reception organized in Yerevan on the occasion of the 44th anniversary of the victory of the Islamic Revolution, which was attended by ministers, MPs, foreign diplomats accredited in Armenia and other high-ranking officials.
In his speech, the deputy prime minister congratulated Iran on the occasion and wished the people of Iran welfare. He noted that the Islamic Revolution, establishing the power of the people, contributed to the unique prestige of Iran, both in the region and beyond its borders.
Speaking about Armenian-Iranian relations, Grigoryan noted that the Armenian and Iranian peoples, living in the same region, are interconnected by strong historical and cultural ties.
"From early times, close cultural relations have been formed between our two peoples, which continue to be the characteristic features of both Armenians’ and Iranians' lifestyles, manners and customs, numerous monuments and rich cultural heritage,” he said.
“Our two countries, having passed through many centuries of history and various trials, present themselves to the world today as states that cooperate with an exemplary dialogue between Christianity and Islam, and in an atmosphere of mutual respect and trust.
“Iran was the first in the world to recognize the independence of the Republic of Armenia," Grigoryan emphasized.
He noted that in the past 31 years, since the establishment of diplomatic relations, ties between the two countries have been on the upward path of development.
"Armenia-Iran relations still record a dynamic development and we fully hope that with joint efforts, we will further expand the partnership agenda between the two countries. Our vision for the future of relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran is best reflected in the 2021-26 Action Plan of the Government of the Republic of Armenia,” he said.
“We sincerely hope that the high-level political dialogue between the two countries will be a great stimulus for further deepening and strengthening bilateral cooperation. A multi-sectoral cooperation agenda has been established between Armenia and Iran.”
Grigoryan stressed that joint efforts will strengthen interstate cooperation in the near future for the benefit of strengthening regional stability.
According to the deputy prime minister, Iran remains a unique partner for Armenia, which contributes to the establishment of peace and strengthening stability in the region with its balanced policy.
Matching Interests
Iran and Armenia concur around principles such as the need to respect international borders, peaceful resolution of disputes, need to respect the rights and security of the peoples in the region and collective efforts for having a stable region, the Iranian Ambassador to Armenia Abbas Badakhshan Zohouri said at the Armenia-Iran Relations in Context of Common Interests Forum dedicated to the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries.
“The similar views and matching common interests of the two countries created a new situation in our relations. The concurrence and political consultations between the leaders of the two countries have reached an unprecedented level. Almost all high-level officials of the two countries met with their counterparts at least once in the past one year and further exchange of views between the parties continued in various directions. The continuity of this process is definitely a necessity,” he said.
Ambassador Zohouri said commercial ties grew significantly as a result of the implementation of the Iran-EEU privileged trade agreement signed in 2015.
He said the agreement will pave the way for further strengthening trade relations and partnership in the field of infrastructure.
“The situation resulting from problems in the Goris-Kapan route, which, of course, was followed by the Armenian government’s significant efforts in direction of building an alternative road, proved that we need convenient and safe roads. We hope that in the next years the picture of transport route between Iran and Armenia will change significantly. We are sure that high-quality transport routes between Iran and Armenia will be effective in terms of elevating the positions of the two countries in the international arena. A threat against the international transport route passing through Iran and Armenia will constitute a threat not only against Iran and Armenia, but also other beneficiaries of that transport route,” the ambassador said.
In conclusion, Zohouri said Armenia’s independence in 1991 opened a new chapter in Armenian-Iranian relations, and political relations were officially established 31 years ago.
“Despite the turmoil in the region and in the world in the past three decades, the leaderships of the two countries highly appreciate bilateral relations,” he said.
Zohouri said he is ready to provide any assistance to deepen and strengthen cultural and academic relations.
