The Armenian prime minister has called for an extension of the 'Electricity-Gas Barter Agreement' with the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Iran Press/ Asia News: Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan expressed his satisfaction with Iranian president, Hassan Rouhani's visit to Yerevan and announced his country's readiness to develop bilateral ties, especially economic and business ties with the Islamic Republic.

Pashinyan noted: "Trade cooperation in border areas with Iran is of great importance to Armenia and we seek to strengthen cooperation in these areas."

"Iran is a sustainable source of energy and gas supplies to Armenia, and we ask for an extension of 'Electricity-Gas Barter Agreement' with Iran by the year 2040," he said.

"Armenia welcomes participation of Iranian companies in Armenia's road construction projects, because of their high level of expertise," Armenian Prime Minister reiterated.

He said: "Connecting Iranian ports from the Persian Gulf to the Black Sea is very important for the prospects of relations between the two countries and the region, and we are looking for cooperation in this field."

The two sides also emphasised the need to complete the third electricity transmission line project between the two countries by 2020.

Iran and Armenia, which have had friendly relations for decades, began a new chapter in their bilateral relations in 2018, as the two countries are taking steps in the direction of a strategic relationship.

Iran was named Armenia's 6th most important trading partner in 2017, but in 2018 Iran was promoted to Yerevan's fifth most important trading partner.

Since his appointment, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has always emphasized on expanding relations with Tehran in various areas, especially the economic sector. Iranian and Armenian officials have repeatedly emphasized that bilateral economic relations have great potential and capacities to be used in the direction of further development of economic exchanges. Pashinyan traveled to Tehran in March and held meetings with senior officials of the Islamic Republic of Iran. While welcoming the all-out expansion of bilateral relations, he underlined that relations with Iran are an important part of Armenia's foreign policy.

Iran and Armenia are seeking to expand bilateral trade to over $320 million, which could take a step in the path of developing relations in areas such as agriculture, animal husbandry, increased gas and electricity exchanges, and energy. 

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