Armenia should discuss four-sided energy cooperation vision with Georgia too: expert

The four-sided energy cooperation proposal voiced by Iran is not a novelty with it being periodically voiced at different meetings of high-ranking Iranian officials who were stressing that Armenia and Georgia may become transit countries between Persian Gulf and Black Sea, expert Jonny Melikyan said, speaking to Aysor.am.

“The Iranian side at the same time is considering the issue whether the uniting corridor passes through the territory of Armenia or Azerbaijan. Talks over this are periodically being circulated but the only attempt of the recent years between Georgia and Iran was in either 2016 or 2017,” the expert said, adding that after it no steps were undertaken in that direction.

Melikyan said that if Iran-Armenia high voltage third aerial power transmission line will be exploited enhancing opportunities for exchange of power, Armenia may increase the volumes of gas from Iran, supply more power to it and result in signing similar agreement between Georgia and Iran.

“I will not say that we will earn serious money from this exchange, but we will get big political dividends becoming a circle between Iran and Georgia,” the expert said, claiming that it is quite important as in relations with Tehran, Tbilisi takes into consideration the opinion of the United States.

In parallel with oral arrangements, Melikyan attached significance to the practical steps aimed at their implementation, noting that Nikol Pashinyan should discuss the vision of four-sided energy cooperation with the Georgian partners during the meetings.

“It is necessary to understand the forms and approaches so that Georgia will not anger the USA and at the same will create economically more secure situation for it,” the expert said.