YEREVAN.- Iran is interested in developing and expanding relations with Armenia, said Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi at a joint press conference with his Armenian counterpart Edward Nalbandian on Tuesday.

Iranian Foreign Minister said that the flow of tourists from IRI to Armenia at the moment has reached about 100,000 expressing hope that it will once increase up to one million.

The Minister also expressed hope that one day visa regime will be abolished between the  states.

As regards economic relations, he stressed that Iran and Armenia have great potential, but do not use it fully.  Among the economic projects, Foreign Minister pointed out water use (the boundary river Arax - Editor), intensification of cooperation in private sector.

Salehi added that two countries have similar positions on many regional and international issues. In this context, Ali Akbar Salehi pointed out special position of Armenia in the international arena. According to Salehi, geographically small Armenia has influence due to its Diaspora spread worldwide.

Wherever Armenians live, they are known as good, honest employees, this contributes to further improvement of Armenia’s image. The Minister also stressed that all efforts should be aimed at establishing peace and stability in the region for the benefit of its peoples.