The development of events in recent years testifies to the effectiveness and necessity of the unity of consultations and approaches on issues of regional importance, as well as bilateral relations. Iranian Ambassador to Armenia Abbas Badakhshan Zohouri stated this at Wednesday’s international conference in Yerevan, entitled "Armenia-Iran: Historical Past and Present," and dedicated to the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

According to the Iranian diplomat, in order to maintain close political relations, it is necessary to continue high-level contacts. He added that the strategic dialogue launched in this regard—and around which an agreement has already been reached—will be effective and useful.

"The opening of the [Iranian] Consulate General in Syunik Province [of Armenia], the work on which is in the final stage, testifies to the interest in deepening relations with Armenia in various directions," the ambassador emphasized.

He expressed confidence that the agreement signed between Iran and the EEU—which Armenia is also a member of—in 2018 had a positive impact on the growth of trade between the two countries.

"Armenian and Iranian officials consider the $1-billion trade a realistic target. Last year, a major increase in trade was registered, which again testifies to the feasibility of achieving the above-mentioned goal and increasing Iran's share in Armenia's foreign trade to 10 percent," Zohouri explained.

According to him, cooperation in energy and transport creates a solid basis not only for the expansion of economic ties, but also for maintaining security and stability in the region.

The Iranian envoy highlighted the speedy operation of the road connecting the Persian Gulf and the Black Sea, explaining that the North-South road passing through Armenia can become an important link in this important strategic communication.

"The implementation of this strategic goal requires efforts and determination, which are shown by the parties. The acceleration of the implementation of the North-South transport project through the territory of Armenia has become a common goal in the sustainable operation of transport routes—proceeding from the interests of Armenia and Iran. We hope to strengthen Armenia's role in that transit chain," the Iranian diplomat said.

He stated that the subjective obstacles that hinder the communication between the scientists and the intelligentsia of the two countries must be overcome.

"The land and air borders must be more active and liberalized. The citizens of the two countries need to communicate more actively with each other. The peoples of Armenia and Iran have lived and will live side by side," Ambassador Zohouri concluded.