No progress in Armenian-Iranian relations registered till now: expert

The upcoming visit of the Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan to Iran is really very important considering the stagnation in Armenian-Iranian relations, expert Gohar Iskandaryan said, speaking to Aysor.am.

She said the visit will promote solution of a number of issues.

“We were expecting this visit long ago. After Nikol Pashinyan became acting Prime Minister the Iranian side addressed a congratulatory message and invited Pashinyan to visit Iran,” she said, adding that this visit was expected to take place in May with the Armenian ambassador to Iran Artashes Tumanyan having stated that the visit of the Armenian PM was expected soon.

She said the visit was more probably delayed due to domestic political situation in Iran with the Iranian authorities asking to delay it for a while. Iskandaryan said that the first meeting between Pashinyan and Rouhani took place in New York, during which the Iranian president reconfirmed the invitation.

The expert stressed that there are many issues in Armenian-Iranian relations which need urgent solution.

“I think discussions will be held over cooperation in the energy sector and in particular, reference will be made on the completing the construction of the 3d power line, its opening and exploitation,” she said, adding that reference will more probably be made on Meghri hydro power plant. She said all the documents over it are ready, the diplomats carried out necessary work but the process is not moving forward.

“They should also refer to the opportunities of making Armenia a transit country for Iran to ensure transportation of Iranian products to Europe through Armenia’s territory,” Iskandaryan said.

Speaking in Koln, Germany, Armenia’s Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan stated about paying official visit to Iran on February 27.