Armenian-Iranian trade surges by 43 percent in recent months- Iranian president says

YEREVAN, November 1. /АРКА/. Trade relations between Iran and Armenia have witnessed a 43% growth in recent months, Iranian President Raeisi said today at a joint press conference with visiting Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan. Raesi said the goal is to increase trade relations up to $3 billion.

'Undoubtedly, the visit of the Prime Minister of Armenia to the Islamic Republic of Iran will be a turning point in the development of the two countries,' the Iranian President said, according to Mehrnews.

Good relations between the two countries will definitely lead to better relations in the region and the world, Raeisi underlined.

Stating that the Caucasus region is part of Iran's history, civilization, and culture, Raeisi said that developments, security, and peace in the Caucasus region are very important for Iran.

Emphasizing that regional problems should be resolved by regional actors, he stressed, "Any kind of interference by foreigners in the region will create problems instead of solving them."

For his part, the Armenian Prime Minister appreciated president Raeisi's approach toward the Armenian community of Iran. The Islamic Republic of Iran can be a clear and explicit symbol of peaceful cooperation and coexistence among the followers of different religions, Nikol Pashinyan said.

Appreciating Iran's principled views on peace and security in the Caucasus region, Pashinyan said, "I briefed Mr. Raeisi about the tripartite meeting in Sochi (with Russian and Azerbaijani presidents on October 31 ) and I agree with the views of the Iranian president regarding the establishment of stable peace and security in the region."

The Iranian and Armenian ministers signed a memorandum of understanding regarding the extension of the electricity and gas agreement, he also announced.

He also said that some discussions were held in the field of energy and agriculture, infrastructure, and water resources management.

The Prime Minister of Armenia also invited the Iranian President to visit Yerevan to continue these talks.

Iran is one of Armenia's top three trade partners. According to the National Statistical Committee of Armenia, the trade between the two countries in the first eight months of this year amounted to about $427.4 million, an increase of 43.4% compared to January-August 2021.

Armenian exports to Iran totaled $74.4 million (82.6% increase) and imports from Iran to nearly $353.2 million (36.1% increase). -0-