Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan spoke about historical ties and expansion of bilateral cooperation in such areas as energy and tourism in an interview with IRNA agency.
This year marks the 28th anniversary of establishment of Iran-Armenia diplomatic relations. How do you assess the current level of relationship between the two friendly countries?
Definitely positive. Moreover, the centuries-old friendship between our peoples is a good example of intercultural dialogue and coexistence between different religions and civilizations, which is also an important factor promoting peace and stability in the region. Our centuries-old strong ties are based on mutual understanding and mutually beneficial cooperation.
The strong ties of friendship and partnership with Iran are part of our foreign policy, and we are committed to further developing our good-neighborly relations.
At the same time, it should be noted that there is still huge untapped potential, especially as regards our trade and economic exchanges. I am convinced that contacts and dialogue at different levels will help outline the steps to take ahead in order to tap the existing opportunities.
What are the main spheres where even stronger and more comprehensive ties (economic, cultural, industrial, political, etc) can be built between Armenia and Iran?
I see great potential in all spheres of cooperation that should be used with maximum efficiency. In particular, we need to take steps to develop trade and economic interaction, increase the volume of commodity turnover, and in general, tap the opportunities available in that sphere.
Indeed, the energy sector, too, has a great potential for development. In this area we have serious joint projects, such as gas / electricity exchange, construction of the third high-voltage power transmission line Armenia-Iran.
Negotiations are underway on the Meghri HPP project, which has recently been ratified by the Iranian Majlis. A number of other projects are also being discussed.
As I already mentioned, the EAEU-Iran Free Trade Agreement creates new opportunities for trade and economic cooperation. In the coming months, serious preparations are needed.
As an important area, I would like to highlight the cooperation in the cultural sphere. Relevant ministries of both countries are focusing on issues such as publishing, film production, restoration and preservation of historical and cultural monuments, museum and library work.
We are also cooperating in the framework UNESCO. As you may know, due to Iran’s efforts, the St. Thaddeus and St. Stephen monastic complexes have been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Armenia has prepared a complete package to submit the Yerevan Blue Mosque for the UNESCO World Heritage List. Joint work is underway with the Iranian side, and it will be properly presented after some adjustments.
Another key cultural event was the Iranian National Museum-hosted exhibition, entitled “Armenia and Iran: Land Memory,” where unique exhibits from the History Museum of Armenia were exhibited.
You know that the Golden Apricot International Film Festival is held in Armenia, and I am pleased to note that films by Iranian filmmakers Abbas Kiarostami, Asghar Farhad and others are represented on a regular basis. By the way, the latter chaired the refereeing group of the 15th Golden Apricot Festival and his film “Divorce Naderi and Simin”was recognized as the winner in the International Feature Film nomination.
The aforementioned and similar programs are a good opportunity for Armenian and Iranian peoples to get acquainted and interact with each other’s cultures.
How do you assess the future of bilateral cooperation in tourism?
A. You know, each country is represented by its history, culture, traditions. Obviously, tourism helps our peoples to get acquainted with each other’s history, culture, traditions, spiritual and religious values, scientific and technological achievements. Tourism development is one of our country’s priorities, and we are making great efforts to make our country attractive to tourists.
Following the visa abolition arrangement in 2016, the number of Iranian tourists visiting Armenia has considerably increased, especially in the days of the Iranian New Year - Novruz. Special events are being held in these days for ensuring the security of Iranian tourists; 911 services are available in Persian. I think that tourism is a promising field, and the indicators tend to grow in that area.
