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On December 11, the Speaker of the Islamic Republic of Iran (IRI) Majlis Ali Larijani rreceived the delegation of the RA NA Armenia-Iran Friendship Group led by Vahram Baghdasaryan being on a working visit in the Islamic Republic of Iran. The RA NA deputies Koryun Nahapetyan, Vahe Enfiajyan, Nikol Pashinyan and Aghvan Vardanyan are in the delegation.

The Head of Armenia-Iran Friendship Group Vahram Baghdasaryan thanked for the reception and reaffirmed the readiness of the Armenian side to develop the relations with the Iranian side, noting that there were still things to do in the spheres of trade-economy, energy and tourism. The members of the delegation presented their viewpoints on the friendship between IRI and the RA and the development of the political and economic cooperation. To their assessment, the Armenian-Iranian relations have been and continue remaining brotherly.

The Head of the delegation in detail presented the disposition of the political forces of the RA National Assembly and the activities of the Standing Committees. Vahram Baghdasaryan particularly noted: “We highly assess the balanced position of the Islamic Republic of Iran in the Nagorno Karabkah problem. Highlighting the efforts of the OSCE Minsk Group, we reaffirm that the only way of the problem settlement for us is the negotiation solution unlike the Azerbaijani side. Though the level of the bilateral trade turnover has reduced compared with the previous years, however we see the way of its development and we are ready to make efforts in that direction.” Vahram Baghdasaryan has also added that Armenia can be a bridge between Iran and the EEU.

In his word Aghvan Vardanyan particularly noted: “Iran has an exceptional role not only in the region, but also in the world and irrespective of all possible and impossible pressures Iran has always been able kept its independence and distinct policy. During these days next provocations, there are certain problems but I am sure that Iran will not be provoked and will continue its policy.” Talking about the relations between Armenia and Iran, Aghvan Vardanyan has noted that the development of the two states’ relations has no alternative.

In his word Nikol Pashinyan has noted that during the last years the positive changes in Iran are impressive, Iran is noticeably moving forward. Nikol Pashinyan has added that the pressures aimed at impeding the development of friendship with Iran are though little towards Armenia, but the Armenian side actively continues developing the cooperation. Koryun Nahapetyan proposed to create a special working group which will make itinerary the main directions of Armenia-Iran cooperation and the by implementing the special revised programmes it will reach to a higher degree of cooperation where the parliaments of the two states can have a big role.

Talking about the cooperation of the two states Vahe Enfiajyan has informed that well knowing the culture, the political and economic situation of Iran the RA deputies always speak about Iran on the international platforms and present it at best to the world.

In his welcoming remarks the Speaker of the IRI Majlis Ali Larijani particularly has noted that Armenia is a friendly country of Iran, and he is happy to receive the Armenian delegation. In the word of the Iranian Parliament, the Iranian side together with all pressures in the region is always ready to cooperate with the Armenian side at the level of both the parliament and the governments. Ali Larijani expressed satisfaction relating to the works of Iran-Armenia Friendship Group.

Touching upon the NK problem, Ali Larijani has noted that the escalation of the conflicts in the region cannot be of any use: they should be solved through negotiations. Talking about creating a free economic zone being designed in Meghri, the Head of the Iranian Parliament proposed to widely cooperate with the Trade Chamber of their country which would give an opportunity to create favourable conditions for the businessmen. At the same time he considered necessary the involvement of the businessmen’s wide circle in that process.

Ali Larijani urged the Friendship Groups to more activate the cooperation and work in further developing the economic ties.