Zarif Visits Yerevan to Bolster Mutual Trade

The top Iranian diplomat led a high-powered politico-economic delegation to Armenia on Tuesday to explore ways of bolstering trade ties with the neighboring country.

During his stay in Yerevan, Mohammad Javad Zarif also attended the Armenia-Iran Business Forum, which brought together businessmen and entrepreneurs from the two sides to discuss how to broaden bilateral economic cooperation.

Addressing the meeting, Zarif praised the "very close and growing relations" between the two countries, saying there is no obstacle to improving mutual ties, IRNA reported.

The Iranian foreign minister said the two governments can join hands to prepare the ground for private sectors of both sides to enter into partnership and strengthen economic bonds.

Zarif said there was potential for closer collaboration in energy, industrial, agriculture and transit sectors, among others.

Before the meeting, Zarif sat down with his Armenian counterpart, Edward Nalbandian, to discuss issues of mutual interest.

Speaking in the meeting, the Iranian diplomat said he is pleased with the longstanding friendship between the two governments, but believes they need to take greater steps to develop mutually beneficial relations in various areas.

Nalbandian said the Armenian government is willing to take measures to facilitate effective cooperation with Tehran, particularly in the economic sectors.

In a joint briefing after their meeting, Zarif described the two countries as "good neighbors".

Nalbandian said he will pay a visit to Tehran soon to discuss expansion of relations with Iranian officials.

Later on Tuesday, the top diplomat met Armenian Prime Minister Karen Karapetyan and President Serzh Sargsyan.

Armenia is a friendly neighbor of Iran and the relationship has seen almost no tension over the years.

Iran is currently exporting natural gas to Armenia and in return imports electricity from the country to support demand in its northern provinces.

The two countries announced in early August that they had lifted their visa regimes to enable their citizens to freely commute between the two countries.