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Rouhani speaks of "bright prospects" for Iranian-Armenian Relations

Rouhani speaks of "bright prospects" for Iranian-Armenian Relations

21 October 2014

Iranian president Hassan Rouhani spoke of "bright prospects" for closer Armenian-Iranian relations, following high level talks in Tehran on Monday, with visiting Armenian Prime Minister Hovik Abrahamian.

Armenian and Iranian officials spoke about the ongoing threat of terrorism posed by ISIS.

"Iran and Armenia and all regional states should join forces to fight terrorism, because security in the region will become sustainable only through collective cooperation," the official IRNA news agency reported Rouhani as saying.

"Security is a non-dividable category, and if a country suffers from terrorism, other countries will suffer too."

On Tuesday Rouhani will host new Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi for his first foreign visit since taking office in September.

NEW COMMISSION

At a joint press conference with the Armenian Prime Minister, Iranian First Vice President Eshaq Jahangiri announced a new bilateral commission, designed to increase ties in a range of fields.

Economic cooperation was a major feature of the talks, particularly in the energy sector. A new power line will be built between the two countries, bringing the total of connections up to three.

Also, new hydropower plants will be built on the banks of the Aras river, which flows along the border of the two countries. This agreement stems from a 2009 trade deal, stipulating that Armenia will trade electricity for Iranian natural gas.

A EURASIAN COUNTRY

Addressing reporters alongside Jahangiri, Abrahamian also said new prospects for economic development and foreign investment will stem from the new Eurasian Economic Union, which Armenia joined earlier this month.

"Since Armenia is now recognized as a Eurasian country, our private sectors have ample investment opportunities," said Jahangiri.

Hovik Abrahamian, responded in kind: "the joint commission between Iran and Armenia is of great significance and will promote economic ties."

source: commonspace.eu

photo: Armenian Prime  Minister Hovik Abrahamian with Iranian President Rouhani in Tehran on 20 October 2014 (picture courtesy of FARS News Agency).

 

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