Minister: Armenia a prelude to Iran's access to Eurasian market

Tehran, Dec 5, IRNA - Minister of Energy Hamid Chitchian said Armenia can pave the way for Iran's private sector to participate in Eurasian market. He added that after implementation of power transfer infrastructural projects, the capacity of electricity transfer between the two countries is to increase from 300 to 1200 mw. The 14th session of the Joint Commission for Economic Cooperation between Iran and Armenia kicked off with the attendance of Chitchian and Minister of Energy Infrastructures and Natural Resources of the Republic of Armenia Ashot Manukyan on Monday morning. Speaking in the opening ceremony of the event, Chitchian expressed hope that the event would prepare the ground for further development in bilateral friendly cooperation. He referred to implementation of projects like the third power transmission line, north-south electricity corridor and various agreements in gas and petrochemical fields as evidence showing warm ties between the two countries. 'I hope that the event will create valuable opportunities to reach bilateral economic, cultural and social agreements' he added referring to President Rouhani's next trip to Armenia. He said that grounds have been prepared for the two countries to act in different fields, namely in road, rail and air transports, agriculture, animal husbandry, tourism, water and electricity, etc. 1378/IRNA