Foreign Minister of Iran: at the heart of the talks with his Armenian counterpart, the development of economic cooperation

ArmInfo. President Serzh Sargsyan received today the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran Mohammad Javad Zarif.

According to the press service of the head of state, welcoming the guest, the President of the Republic expressed his satisfaction with the active high-level visits between the two countries and stressed that they give an opportunity to develop interstate relations built on the basis of centuries-old friendship between the two countries with even greater care. On the occasion of the meeting, President Sargsyan once again expressed his support for the friendly people of Iran in connection with the damage caused by the devastating earthquake, expressing confidence that Iran will eliminate the consequences of the catastrophe in a short time. The head of the republic noted that over the 25 years that have passed since the establishment of diplomatic relations, the two countries have built the main on friendship and mutual respect for the relationship.

He expressed the hope that these relations will continue in the same spirit in the future. Serzh Sargsyan stressed that Armenia always conducts sincere and open dialogue with Iranian partners and is interested in developing friendly Iran and in regional stability. Expressing gratitude for the reception, Foreign Minister Zarif conveyed warm greetings to Iranian President Hassan Rohani to Serzh Sargsyan and expressed gratitude for both the presence of President Rohani at the inauguration and the condolence telegram sent in connection with the devastating earthquake. Iranian Foreign Minister stressed that for his country development of relations with neighboring countries is priority, and Armenia has always been for Iran a very good neighbor. According to Mohammad Javad Zarif, although the Armenian-Iranian relations have been strengthened by strong political ties for 25 years, relations between the two peoples have lasted for centuries. Minister Zarif stressed that the people of Iran have special respect for the Armenian people, including the part of the Armenian community of Iran that is part of it. The two sides stressed the importance of strengthening economic ties and developing cooperation in various mutually beneficial sectors. According to Minister Zarif, the degree of economic cooperation between the two countries does not fit the high level of the current political relations between the friendly peoples of Armenia and the Islamic Republic of Iran. He informed the Armenian leader that at the heart of today's talks with his Armenian counterpart, the development of this sphere was laid, in particular. The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Iran noted that the Armenian-Iranian business forum held in Yerevan was also extended to deepen and deepen economic ties. At the meeting, President Sargsyan and Foreign Minister Zarif also spoke with satisfaction of the interaction of the two countries in international structures.

Recall that the day before in Yerevan, the Armenian-Iranian business forum was held with the participation of businessmen of the two countries. About 150 businessmen took part in the forum dedicated to the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two states. Iranian businessmen were presented with Armenia's business opportunities, free economic zones, tax regulations, and preferential trade regimes. Armenian Foreign Minister Edward Nalbanda, welcoming the participants of the Armenian- Iranian business forum, noted that one of the advantages of investing in Armenia is the availability of a preferential trade regime with many countries. The Minister also said that today favorable conditions have been created in Armenia, which allow to successfully invest and conduct business. According to the National Statistical Service of Armenia, the foreign trade turnover between Armenia and Iran in January- September 2017 increased by 10% to $ 197.5 million. At the same time, exports increased by 9% to $ 62.9 million, and imports - by 10.4% to $ 134.6 million.