First Vice-President: No limitation for development of ties with Armenia

Tehran, Dec 5, IRNA – First Vice-President Es'haq Jahangiri said on Monday that there is no limitation for development of relations with Armenia. Jahangiri made the remarks in a meeting with Armenian Minister of Energy, Infrastructures and Natural Resources Ashot Manukyan. Jahangiri underlined the follow up of Iran-Armenia joint commission agreements, calling for the removal of obstacles and promote economic cooperation in different sectors. Given his visit to Yerevan, the capital of Armenia, and meeting with Armenian president and prime minister, Jahangiri said that part of the agreements has been implemented and that joint commission should follow up the agreements yet to be executed. The VP called for a joint investment of Iran and Armenia to build infrastructure, road and railway to link the Black Sea to the Persian Gulf. He said that banking and customs house cooperation is necessary to enhance the level of trade between the two countries. 'Unfortunately, economic ties and trade failed to keep up with the excellent level of political relations and the goodwill of senior officials of Iran and Armenia, so the joint commission should be more active in this concern. Regarding pollution in Aras River and the promises made by the Armenian officials to reduce pollution, Jahangiri said that considering the importance of environment protection for people living around the river, Iran requested the Armenian government to do more works to remove concerns in this regard. Ashot Manukyan said that the 14th joint economic commission meeting held in Tehran paved the way to remove obstacles and bolster ties. The Armenian minister said that regional cooperation in the field of energy and construction of a pipeline to pump Iranian gas to Armenia and Georgia in cooperation with Turkmenistan and Russia would serve trade and cooperation among all the neighboring states. He said that transport interlink between Black Sea and the Persian Gulf is among priorities of Armenian government and that setting up the third line of electricity transfer between Iran and Armenia made progress. He appreciated services of Iranian companies to build infrastructure and delivery of gas supply to some parts of Armenia. Manukyan explained the Armenian plan to reduce pollution in Aras River, saying that the river is the common wealth of regional countries and its maintenance would be beneficial for all. 1378/IRNA