Armenia, Iran looking to boost gas cooperationJanuary 22, 2018 - 10:57 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Iranian Deputy Oil Minister Hamid Reza Araqi said that the Islamic Republic is ready to enhance its gas interaction and cooperation with Armenia, Mehr News Agency reports. Araqi, who is also the managing director of National Iranian Gas Company (NIGC), added that “in addition to the conclusion of a gas and electricity barter contract inked between Iran and Armenia, Tehran is also ready to expand gas cooperation with Yerevan.” Speaking about Iran’s gas export to Armenia, he said, “a predefined contract has been inked between Iran and Armenia for exporting gas to Armenia and also importing electricity into the country.” Accordingly, Armenia is to import three KW/hour electricity into Iran in exchange for one million cubic meter gas exported from Iran to Armenia, the deputy oil minister maintained. Turning to the possibility of increased volume of Iran’s gas export to Armenia, he said, “Iran has not any problem to increase its export volume of gas to Armenia but the Armenian side is unable to supply more electricity to Iran.” However, it has been stipulated to organize a get-together meeting between Iran and Armenia for increasing gas export volume, he said, adding, “both public and private sectors of Armenia can negotiate with Iran for importing more gas from Iran to Armenia.” Accordingly, the Ministry of Oil has prioritized to export gas to neighboring states and also export of liquefied natural gas (LNG) to other target markets at the next phase, he maintained. In 2004, Iran and Armenia inked a barter contract in the field of gas and electricity for 20 years, based on which, Iran’s export gas will be used by Armenian power plants and in return, Iran will import electricity from Armenia. Top stories Yerevan has dismissed Turkey’s demand to shut down the Armenian nuclear power plant as “inappropriate”. Armenia will loan 2.9 billion drams to Nagorno Karabakh (Artsakh), according to a draft government decision. The Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of Azerbaijan has “strongly condemned” Armenia’s decision. Kerobyan has said that for the first time in the history of Armenia, the volume of foreign direct investments amounted to about $1 billion. Partner news | European Parliament to discuss repression in Azerbaijan The European Parliament will discuss repression of civil society in Azerbaijan on April 24 PACE wants concessions from Azerbaijan to accept Baku back A PACE co-rapporteur said that Azerbaijani authorities must make certain concessions so that the country can return to PACE. Cyprus parliament honors Armenian genocide victims Acting House President Zacharias Koulias noted that April 24 marks the “black anniversary” of the Armenian genocide. Armenia PM, France envoy discuss regional matters Issues related to the consistent development of Armenia-France cooperation were discussed. |