Armenia and Iran linked by long-term cooperationJuly 20, 2007 - 16:00 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Armenia and Iran have marked out prospects for lasting cooperation, Iranian Foreign Minister, Co-chair of the Armenian-Iranian intergovernmental commission Manouchehr Mottaki said opening the 7th sitting of the commission.The positive experience of bilateral relations, political will of leaders of both states and the existing potential open new horizons for expanding cooperation, according to him. "The agenda includes development of important documents, specifically the agreement on creation of free trade area between Armenia and Iran, what will convey a positive impulse to the economic turnover between the two states. The Iran-Armenia gas pipeline, construction of two power lines, increase of cargo and passenger transportation up to 60 thousand vehicles per year," Mr Mottaki said. The Iranian Minister also noted Armenia's joining the North-South corridor, establishment of transit norms and availability of 3-4 flights a week as well as development of cooperation in agriculture and communications. "Formation of trilateral committee (Armenia, Iran and Russia) to deal with construction of oil processing plant in Armenia. We are convinced that implementation of these projects will produce positive effect throughout the region," Mr Mottaki said, Novosti Armenia reports. The first 40-km Meghri-Kajaran sector of the Iran-Armenia gas pipeline was put into operation March 19, 2007. The second segment will be finished till the end of 2008. Initially Armenia will receive 300-400 mln cubic meters of gas from the neighbor state. The amount will increase up to 2,3 bln annually. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Czech-Armenian military cooperation discussed in Yerevan A delegation led by the Director General for the Industrial Cooperation Division of the Ministry of Defence of the Czech Republic visited Armenia. U.S. welcomes efforts to define Armenia-Azerbaijan border The United States welcomes efforts to define the border between Armenia and Azerbaijan, says Vedant Patel. Biden honors resilience of Armenian people on April 24 U.S. President Joe Biden has issued a statement on the 109th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. Ex-Karabakh leader moved to solitary confinement cell in Baku, his son says David Vardanyan is the son of former Karabakh leader Ruben Vardanyan who who is currently imprisoned in Azerbaijan. |