Iranian Energy Minister Hamid Chitchian underlined Tehran's readiness to cooperate with Yerevan in different areas, specially in energy and economic sectors.

"Iran will utilize all its existing capacities for the expansion of mutual cooperation with the Republic of Armenia," Chitchian said, addressing the opening ceremony of the 12th Meeting of Iran-Armenia Joint Economic Cooperation Commission in Tehran on Monday.

He pointed to the cultural and historical commonalities of the two nations, and said, "These commonalities and good neighborly ties have resulted in a growing trend of bilateral ties since independence of Armenia."

"The two countries have held 11 meetings of Iran-Armenia Joint Economic Cooperation Commission and exchanged many high-ranking delegations at presidential levels, which shows not only suitable grounds for the expansion of mutual cooperation, but can also considerably help to the broadening of cultural, social and economic relations," he added.

Earlier today, the 12th Meeting of Iran-Armenia Joint Economic Cooperation Commission opened in Tehran.

Chitchian and his Armenian counterpart Ervand Zakharyan were scheduled to discuss economic cooperation, specially in energy and power swap as well as technical and engineering exports during the two-day meeting.

Iran and Armenia have taken major strides towards widening and deepening of their relations in recent years, particularly in the economic sector.

Last month, Armenian Ambassador to Iran Grigor Arakelian underlined his country's enthusiasm for the further broadening of all-out relations with Tehran, specially in economic fields.

"We are trying to expand the economic relations between Iran and Armenia," Arakelian said in Tehran.

"Our embassy will take any necessary measure for the development of economic ties with Iran, although some very good opportunities have been created to this end now," he added.

Arakelian said when Iran's presence in the international markets increases after a nuclear deal with the world powers, economic cooperation with Tehran will experience further development.

Armenian Prime Minister Hovik Abrahamyan, heading a high-ranking delegation, visited Iran in October to confer with senior officials of the country on ways to develop all-out ties.

Abrahamyan held meetings with a number of high-ranking Iranian officials, including Foreign Minster Mohammad Javad Zarif, during which they exchanged views on the growing trend of the development of bilateral relations in all areas, specially in economic, trade, infrastructures and tourism fields, and underscored the necessity for removing the existing obstacles.

They also called for continued reciprocal visits by Iranian and Armenian officials to consult and exchange views on the bilateral relations and other issues of mutual interest.
 

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