Marianna Amirkhanyan

 EUROPEAN UNION DELEGATION TO ARMENIA NOTE TO THE FILE April 12, 2016 Subject: Media coverage Recent developments in Armenia-Iran relations Summary: Now when Iran has the opportunity to implement new programs in the international arena quite fruitful period for Armenian-Iranian relations is opening, moving the relationship to a higher level. It is about connecting other countries via Armenia. There are agreements already signed in the field of the construction of energy systems and transit. Iran has expressed readiness to increase the amount of gas import to Armenia. The implementation of the project of construction of Iran-Armenia railway is becoming, as well as the construction of the North-South highway are becoming more relevant. Wide opportunities may open for Armenia and it is very important that in this situation the Government of Armenia come up with its own initiatives.  New window in Armenian-Iran relations Political Dialogue Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani and his Armenian counterpart Serzh Sargsyan discussed the new opportunities opened up by the sanctions relief in a January 23, 2016 phone call. Rouhani reportedly told Sargsyan that the two nations should “spare no effort in connecting Persian Gulf and Black Sea ports” with transport corridors passing through Iran, Armenia and Georgia. Echoing statements by Armenian officials, the Iranian Ambassador, Seyyem Kazem Sajjad expressed confidence that the recent lifting of international sanctions against Iran will significantly facilitate closer commercial ties between the Islamic Republic and its small Christian neighbour. “Very soon we will witness a further development of bilateral relations,” added the ambassador. Seyyed Kazem Sajjad, the Ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the Republic of Armenia, also spoke about the necessity to deepen Armenian-Iranian relations. He stated that there is no problem in intergovernmental relations and there are no limitations to develop them. The Armenian community in Iran plays an important role in bilateral relations. In the words of the Ambassador, “the Iranian authorities take measures for the preservation of Armenian Heritage in Iran”. Economic Dialogue Ambassador Tumanyan reported that the constriction of the third high-voltage power line is under way and will be completed by 2018. He said that serving as a transport corridor is of fundamental importance to Armenia. When recently minister of Transport of the Republic of Armenia Mr. Beglaryan, on January 20 was on a working visit in the Islamic Republic of Iran at the invitation of his counterpart, it was officially declared that Iran announces about its state policy of 4 corridors. One of them passes through the Republic of Armenia. The construction of Iran-Armenia railroad has been subjected for discussion for years. Some clarify may arise regarding the issue when an Iranian expert group arrives in Armenia in the near future to conduct on-site observation. The arrangement was made during the visit of Armenian minister of Transport and Communications to Iran. Bilateral trade turnover and economic cooperation Iran exported to Armenia goods worth 182 million USD produced in third countries and Iranian made products worth 198 million thousands USD. Both the Armenian and Iranian sides believe that the bilateral trade turnover is not sufficient considering the existing potentials. Railroad The construction of Iran-Armenia railroad has been subject for discussions for years. Some clarity may arise regarding the issue when an Iranian expert group arrives in Armenia in the near future to conduct on-site observation. The arrangement was made during the visit of Armenian Minister of Transport and Communications to Iran. As refers to Iran’s access to the EAEU market via Armenia, Iran calculates its possible profits in case the project comes to reality. At the start of the year two major delegations arrived in Armenia to familiarize themselves with the situation and to clarify the opportunities that can emerge in case of entering to the mentioned market through Armenia. Iran’s involvement in NK conflict settlement Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, on April 5 stressed that his country is ready to support the peaceful resolution of the Karabakh conflict. “We are ready to make our utmost contribution to a quick resolution of the Karabagh problem by means of negotiations, on a just basis and within the framework of international law,” said Ahmadinejad in an interview to Lider TV. “The Nagorno-Karabagh conflict can be solved if the external pressure on the South Caucasus region is stopped,” he added. Armenian officials have always praised Iran for its role in resolving the Karabagh dispute, saying it has taken a “balanced” stance. “Iran supports Azerbaijan in its statements regarding the Karabakh conflict, but de facto it remains neutral, or pro-Armenian neutral, if it’s right to put it like this,” said Tatul Hakobyan, who is one of the experts on the issue stated that “During the process of finding a resolution for the Karabagh conflict, Iran’s views must be considered too. But, while powerful mediators like Russia, the EU, and the United States are involved in this process, it is unlikely they would share the tempting cake of mediators with Iran. Nevertheless, Iran’s positive neutrality regarding the Karabagh conflict is very important,” Hakobyan added. In an interview with “Armenpress” the Ambassador has stated, “We have always announced that the conflict must find a negotiated settlement. Iran has always supported dialogue”. Seyyed Kazem Sajjad brings Iran’s nuclear deal as an example, which proved that dialogue can solve many issues. Drafted by Marianna Amirkhanyan