Armenia ready to be transit country for Iranian gas, Pashinyan says in Tehran

As a country currently holding the presidency at the Eurasian Economic Union (EEU), it is important for Armenia that the EEU-Iran free trade deal is undergoing a ratification process in parliaments of the organization, Armenian PM Nikol Pashinyan told a news conference after negotiations with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani in Tehran, Iran.

“Apparently it [deal] will enter into force during our presidency. This will open new opportunities for enhancing our trade turnover and for the business communities of our countries. And we must encourage our business communities to use these opportunities,” the Armenian prime minister said.

Pashinyan also attached importance to cooperation of the two countries in the energy sector. “The President of Iran mentioned that there is readiness from the Iranian side to enhance the volumes of gas supplies to Armenia. Here, of course, it is important for us to be able to reach a common denominator regarding the price during future discussions and talks. This is a principally important issue in terms of the deal’s appeal. And we are hopeful that our representatives will conduct productive negotiations in this directions,” Pashinyan said.

The Armenian premier attached importance to a record noted during the negotiations whereby bilateral relations must be viewed in a broader context and projects that will have regional significance should be implemented.

“Armenia is ready to conduct transit...