Iran’s Rouhani elaborates on talks with Armenian prime minister

Text of speech by President Hassan Rouhani at joint news conference with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan in Tehran on 27 February, published by website of the Presidency of the Islamic Republic of Iran on 27 February

In the name of God. [preceding sentence in Arabic]

I would like to welcome Mr. [Nikol] Pashinyan, esteemed Prime Minister of Armenia, and his delegation. During his visit to Iran, we signed many memoranda of understanding in different fields. Since Armenia became an independent country, we have established close relations between the two countries. We hope to extend our relations further.

Today, both in our private and public meetings, we discussed various bilateral, regional, and global issues. As I mentioned in the negotiations I had with Mr. Prime Minister, we appreciate Armenia’s stance towards illegal sanctions of the United States against Iran. The two countries are determined to continue their strong relations based on the national interests of both countries and prevent the third parties from interfering in their close relationship. The two countries have very effective cooperation in the political, cultural, scientific, and academic fields, as well as tourism. We are willing to expand our mutual ties in these fields. We still have many opportunities for economic cooperation. Both countries need to tap the potentialities in this regard.

Our economic relations focus mainly on the exchange of gas and electricity. In our talks, we also discussed the completion of Khoda Afarin Dam [in Iran] also Meghri power plant [in Armenia]. Iran’s willingness to cooperate in Armenia’s north-south road project was another issue that we discussed in our meetings.

Both parties emphasised the facilitation of road transportation, whether passenger cars or trucks, between the two countries. Both parties emphasized fostering agricultural cooperation as well as Iran’s presence in Armenia by establishing companies in the fields of agro-industry, livestock husbandry, and improving slaughterhouses. Given the close cooperation we have had in optical fibre connections and data transmission, both countries are willing to have more collaboration in the information and communications technology industry. We are ready to export our service.

In addition to economic cooperation, both parties agreed upon trilateral exchange of electricity between Iran, Armenia, and Georgia. Then we will turn it into a quadripartite energy exchange with Russia. We also announced that we were ready to negotiate to export higher volumes of gas to Armenia and export gas to Georgia via Armenia.We discussed the issue of linking the Persian Gulf to the Black Sea via Armenia and Georgia as well.

If I want to summarise today’s discussions in one sentence, I should say that both countries are willing and motivated to expand multilateral relations. The joint committee of both countries will take preparatory measures until next summer and Finalise the details of the projects.

Thank you.