Armenian National Assembly Speaker Alen Simonyan received a delegation led by Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian on Saturday.

Simonyan noted that he warmly recalled the effective talks held in Tehran in June, the press service of the parliament informed NEWS.am. He stressed the importance of relations with friendly Iran, noting at the same time that the efforts aimed at their development are bearing fruit. "The opening, under your leadership, of the main consulate in Kapan, the regional center of Syunik, is a fact. I congratulate all of us on this important event," Simonian said, adding that Armenia will strive to open a consulate of our country in Tabriz in the near future.

In his turn, Iranian Foreign Minister thanked for the congratulations and underlined that the opening of the consulate general in Kapan carries an important message according to which IRI opposes obstacles on the border or transit route with friendly Armenia and supports the development of the region. Hossein Amir-Abdollahian also added that they are interested in opening an Armenian consulate general in Tabriz.

Both sides noted that the Iranian consulate general will contribute to a more effective realization of the Syunik potential in trade-economic, transport, energy and a number of other spheres. The interlocutors discussed issues related to security and long-term peace in the region.

The Armenian-Iranian strategic dialogue in all directions, as well as the prospect of increasing the turnover between the two countries to $1 billion was among the key issues discussed. The Iranian Minister of Foreign Affairs mentioned that $1bn may be reached at the first stage and he considers realistic to reach a turnover of $3bn in the second, more perspective stage.

At the end of the meeting RA NA Speaker Alen Simonyan greeted the Speaker of the Iranian Majlis Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, noting that he was waiting for his colleague in Armenia.