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Armenia greatly highlights the relations of centuries-old history with Iran and deepening of comprehensive cooperation. In this context the role of Friendship Groups is important as a unique bridge of mutual understanding and mutual trust. The Head of the RA NA Armenia-Iran Friendship Group Narek Babayan noted this, hosting the parliamentary delegation of the Iran-Armenia Friendship Group of the Majlis of the Islamic Republic of Iran (IRI) in the parliament on January 13.

The Head of the Friendship Group spoke in detail about the necessity of bilateral economic cooperation and implementation of a number of sectoral programmes. In this context Narek Babayan underscored the factor of the regional peace and noted that Armenia highly appreciates the approach of Iran in this issue.

“The unblocking of economic infrastructures in the region is one of the priorities of the Government. Our ideas on this issue are summarized in the Crossroads of Peace project, to which Iran has given its positive conclusion and welcomed it. We believe that Iran should also play a key role in the implementation of this project,” the Head of the Friendship Group documented.

In the context of the ties with the neighbouring countries Narek Babayan touched upon the details of the normalization process of the relations with Azerbaijan, underlining, “Realizing that regional peace implies collective responsibility, Armenia has assumed its share of responsibility in this process and expects the participation of other regional actors.”

The Head of the Iran-Armenia Friendship Group of the Majlis Ara Shahverdyan also emphasized the deepening of cooperation in the parliamentary format, the importance of the mutual visits in the advancement of the bilateral agenda.

“Armenia has its own unique place and position in our foreign policy. In relations with the neighbouring countries, we attach importance to cooperation with the Republic of Armenia. We have a rich civilizational past, and there are deep historical and cultural ties between the two countries and peoples: The Head of the Iran-Armenia Friendship Group of Armenian origin noted this.

The members of the RA NA Armenia-Iran Friendship Group Vagharshak Hakobyan, Shirak Torosyan, Gurgen Melkonyan, Mariam Poghosyan, Gegham Nazaryan, Davit Danielyan Irina Gasparyan, Kristine Vardanyan and Gegham Manukyan also took part in the meeting with the parliamentary delegation of the IRI Majlis.

The sides referred to increasing the volumes of the trade turnover, the issues on cargo transportation. They expressed hope they will do their best to increase the economic milestone set for Armenia-Iran to 3 billion USD. The interlocutors also exchanged ideas on boosting the ties in a series of spheres and on the perspectives of the EEU-IRI cooperation.

The Armenian and Iranian deputies expressed conviction that they will continue their efforts on the development and strengthening of bilateral relations.