TEHRAN (Iran News) Speaking after leading a 96-member trade delegation to Yerevan, Bahraman emphasized that closer collaboration between the two chambers would play a pivotal role in advancing commercial and investment ties. The visit coincided with a joint business forum attended by Iran’s President and Armenia’s Prime Minister, where business leaders from both sides explored opportunities for cooperation.

Bahraman highlighted that since Armenia’s independence in 1992, relations between the two neighbors have remained friendly and based on good neighborliness. Geographic proximity, cultural ties, and historical links have provided a solid foundation for expanding trade, which has grown steadily in recent years.

According to official statistics, bilateral trade reached $737 million in 2024, marking a 6.5% increase compared with 2023. With infrastructure projects nearing completion, trade is projected to hit the $1 billion mark by the end of 2025.

Iran’s main exports to Armenia include energy (electricity and gas), food products, construction materials, petrochemicals, and pharmaceuticals. In return, Iran imports non-ferrous metals, machinery, specialty agricultural products, and IT services from Armenia.

Key joint projects under way include completion of the third Iran-Armenia electricity transmission line, which will raise energy exchange capacity to over 1,000 megawatts, as well as cooperation on transport and transit routes. Bahraman noted the strategic potential of the North-South Corridor and the Iran-Armenia-Georgia-Black Sea route, which could improve regional connectivity.

He also pointed to opportunities for joint investments in food and agricultural industries aimed at supplying the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), of which Armenia is a member.

Bahraman underlined the geopolitical advantages of deeper cooperation: Iran as Armenia’s gateway to ECO markets and neighboring states, and Armenia as Iran’s entry point to the EAEU’s 180 million-strong market. Expanded ties could also open Eastern European markets to Iranian businesses while strengthening value chains in food, mining, agriculture, and technology sectors.

The Vice President proposed new projects in renewable energy, joint mining ventures, processing plants in border regions, and shared technology parks in Yerevan for startups and knowledge-based firms. He also mentioned cooperation in IT, blockchain for digital trade, biopharmaceuticals, and medical equipment production.

In agriculture, suggested initiatives include joint farming complexes using Iranian greenhouse technology, agro-industrial processing, and overseas cultivation of strategic crops such as wheat and barley in Armenia. In tourism, Bahraman proposed health tourism routes, co-investment in hotels and resorts, and cultural festivals.

To support these ambitions, Bahraman called for expanded cooperation between the two chambers of commerce, including joint trade fairs, reciprocal business delegations, a shared arbitration center, and possibly a joint bank or barter mechanism to ease payments under sanctions. He also stressed the importance of logistics hubs in free trade zones such as Jolfa and Meghri.

During the Yerevan visit, the Iranian delegation met senior Armenian officials, including the State Revenue Committee, where both sides agreed to establish a joint committee of customs authorities and chambers of commerce to address trade barriers. Meetings were also held with Armenian parliamentarians and the Investment Support Center to review regulations and incentives for Iranian businesses.

Bahraman concluded that the combined will of governments and the active role of the private sector will be key to raising economic ties to a new level. “This cooperation will not only boost economic growth in both countries but also contribute to peace, stability, and security across the region,” he said.

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TEHRAN (Iran News) On the eve of the official visit of the president of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Masoud Pezeshkian, to the Republic of Armenia, we recall the profound words of Hovhannes Tumanyan, a prominent Armenian writer and poet, who likened friendship to a tree with deep roots; a tree that becomes more fruitful and robust the more it is watered.

This beautiful analogy aptly describes the strong relationship between our two nations, a relationship that stems from centuries of cultural exchange, mutual respect, and shared experiences.

Joint celebrations of both nations, such as Mehregan, Navasard, and Vardavar (Water Festival), along with the active and dynamic presence of the Armenian community in Iran, which has thrived for generations, as well as the intertwined history of Iran and Armenia, all symbolize the rich coexistence of these two nations.

The Islamic Republic of Iran was one of the first countries to recognize Armenia’s independence in 1991; a decision that reflects the depth of our relations and our commitment to supporting neighbors during critical historical moments.

The bond between Iran and Armenia continues today through the large and active Armenian community in Iran. Armenians in Iran are the largest religious minority in the country and are actively present in all aspects of Iranian social life, from representation in parliament to preserving their culture through churches and institutions, demonstrating Iran’s respect for religious diversity.”Iran-Armenia”

In the economic sphere, our cooperation reflects a win-win relationship. The fact that Iran remains one of Armenia’s most important trading partners, even under unjust and unilateral sanctions, is a testament to the mutual trust between the two countries. Our complementary economies provide countless opportunities for growth and development that can enhance the welfare of both nations.

The geopolitical landscape of our region highlights the strategic importance of our relations even further. In a climate of global uncertainty and regional developments, the interests of Iran and Armenia have become increasingly intertwined.

As inherent allies, our shared border is not just a geographical reality, but a bridge for cooperation in energy, transportation, human relations, and regional security.

Iran remains committed to supporting peace and stability in the South Caucasus and believes that the security, welfare, and prosperity of Armenia are in line with the interests of the Islamic Republic of Iran; a matter that contributes to broader neighborhood stability.

Iran considers itself obligated to support peace and stability in the region and emphasizes that ensuring sustainable security and implementing any projects in the area is contingent upon respecting territorial integrity, national sovereignty, legal governance, mutual interests, and refraining from the interference of any foreign forces or countries. “Iran-Armenia”

However, we are fully aware of the immense and unparalleled potential before us; the current volume of trade is only a small fraction of what can be achieved through advanced projects like the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC). This international corridor connects Iran’s southern ports to Central Asian countries, the Caucasus, Afghanistan, and Eastern Europe, reducing transportation costs by up to 30% and halving transit times. Members of this project have made significant progress, including rapid development of the railway network and advancement of the Chabahar Ocean Port, which will play a vital role in enhancing regional security and economic growth.

The guarantee of our cooperation is that we are focused on future opportunities based on strong historical relations. The close cultural ties between our two nations, particularly reflected in the respect Iranians have for their Armenian compatriots, provide a solid foundation for deepening political, economic, and technological cooperation.”commitment ”

In this context, President Pezeshkian’s visit is of special significance. This trip is not only a diplomatic meeting but also a reaffirmation of our shared commitment to opening new horizons in our relations. Historical ties, geographical proximity, complementary economies, and common regional interests all come together to strengthen cooperation.

Looking to the future, numerous opportunities lie ahead, including joint infrastructure projects that physically connect the peoples of both countries, academic exchanges that link ideas, cooperation in energy, and cultural initiatives that enrich our shared heritage. These are essential elements for a transformative partnership.

On the path ahead, historical goodwill, mutual trust, tangible common interests, and above all, the political will of both capitals will be the main pillars for further strengthening relations.

The way forward is clear.

Relying on our shared historical past and future horizons, Iran is ready to cooperate with Armenia to write a new chapter of our long-standing friendship; a chapter that will undoubtedly bring greater welfare and security to both nations, the region, and beyond.

The future of Iran-Armenia relations is bright, and no one can divert this path.

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The MOU, which covers cooperation in areas of transit, transportation, facilitation of exchange of goods, energy, development of environmental cooperation in Aras area and removal of pollution from border rivers, as well as medical tourism, was signed by Iranian Energy Minister Ali-Akbar Mehrabian and Armenian Deputy Prime Minister Mher Grigoryan, who are the chairmen of the two countries’ Joint Economic Committee.

Mehrabian, who traveled to Yerevan to attend the 17th Iran-Armenia Joint Economic Committee meeting, met with Grigoryan on Tuesday evening.

During the mentioned gathering, the officials discussed the preparations for the Joint Economic Committee meeting, the portal of the Iranian Energy Ministry Paven reported.

In this meeting, which was attended by a large number of deputy ministers, senior officials, ambassadors, and members of parliament of the two countries, the main issues that play a key role in the development of relations between the two countries were discussed.

According to the officials, the purpose of holding the 17th meeting of the Iran-Armenia Joint Economic Committee is the real and tangible development of relations between the two countries.

Among the issues raised at the meeting were transit, transportation, facilitation of trade, and broader cooperation in the field of energy.

Following the Tuesday meeting, the two countries’ 17th Joint Economic Committee meeting officially kicked off on Wednesday and four specialized committees including energy, trade, cultural heritage, tourism, and transportation started their negotiations.

The first day of the two countries’ Joint Economic Committee meeting was held at the secretariates level.

Iran and Armenia have been taking serious measures to boost economic ties in line with the two countries’ positive political relations.

In late April, Iranian Finance and Economic Affairs Minister Ehsan Khandouzi headed a delegation on a visit to Armenia to hold talks with the country’s senior officials with the aim of expanding economic ties between the two nations.

During the visit, Khandouzi met with Armenia’s Deputy Prime Minister Mher Herbert Grigoryan, the country’s Economy Minister Vahan Kerobyan, and Minister of Finance Tigran Khachatryan.

The official discussed the preparations for holding the two countries’ 17th Joint Economic Committee meeting in his meetings with the Armenian officials.

Meanwhile, an Iran-Armenia Business Forum was held in Yerevan on Thursday, coordinated by Iran’s Trade Promotion Organization (TPO), in which B2B meetings were held between the traders and businessmen of the two countries.

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speaking on the sidelines of a meeting with the Armenian Minister of Economy on Friday evening, Reza Fatemi Amin, Iran’s Minister of Industry, Mine and Trade, said: “We had agreements with Armenian authorities that Iranian companies active in the field of medicine and home appliances export technology, raw materials or parts to Armenia, to produce a joint product in Armenia and export it to other countries.”

Fatemi Amin added: “In the two days that we traveled to Armenia, we also had effective meetings with the officials of this country so that Iranian and Armenian companies could have joint activities in the field of production, transit, marketing and sales.”

He also stated that Iran had two agreements with Armenia regarding the transportation and transit of goods, one of which was to reduce the transit tariff for trucks in both countries in the short term and based on the amount in the long run; Iranian companies were also involved in completing road infrastructure in Armenia.

Fatemi-Amin described development of the International South-North Transport Corridor as a high priority for the Islamic Republic in boosting ties with Armenia.

“One of the four main routes of the South-North Transport Corridor passes through Armenia. The transport connectivity between Iran and Armenia should be implemented to this end,” Fatemi-Amin said during his official visit to Armenia on Thursday.

Iran has already announced its readiness to cooperate with Armenia in the construction of a new transportation route (Kajaran-Sisian road).

The 64-kilometer-long route part of Iran-Armenia-Georgia Transportation Corridor which comes as part of Iran’s bid to launch the North-South Transport Corridor.

The International North–South Transport Corridor is a 7,200-kilometer-long multi-mode network of ship, rail, and road route for moving freight between Iran, India, Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Russia, Armenia, Central Asia and Europe.

The project is aimed at boosting trade connectivity among the regional, as well as ultra-regional states.

The Iranian minister of industry, mine and trade also said Tehran is ready to launch a joint venture with Yerevan to manufacture automobiles in Armenia.

“Iran Khodro Co. (IKCO) Joint venture factory manufactures 10 cars a day in Azerbaijan. We can also have a joint venture to produce cars in Armenia.”

IKCO is Iran’s leading car manufacturer and is viewed as the largest automobile producer in the Middle East and Central Asia.

The auto giant has exported over 150,000 vehicles to other countries mainly in the Middle East and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) region.

In a meeting with the Armenian Minister of Economy Vahan Kerobyan,  Fatemi-Amin touched on the economic capacities of Iran and Armenia, describing the economies of the two neighboring countries as “complementary.”

He also called for boosting trade ties between Tehran and Yerevan via both trade exchange and joint ventures.

This is the first visit to Armenia at this level by high-ranking Iranian officials since President Ebrahim Raisi took office back in August 2021.

Fatemi-Amin says his visit to Armenia is aimed at expanding bilateral trade ties via joint investments.

Iran and Armenia have many similarities due to the long-standing relations between the two countries; this positive background has been influential in various aspects of relations between the two countries, and for this reason, Armenia has a good position in relations with Iran among neighboring countries.

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Deputy Head of Iran Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture (ICCIMA) for International Affairs Mohammad-Reza Karbasi met with Director of Union of Manufacturers and Entrepreneurs of Armenia (UMEA) Gagik Makaryan and during the meeting, both sides explored the economic capacities of the two countries for the future cooperation.

The two sides in the meeting emphasized barter trade as the major way for enhancing trade exchanges between Iran and Armenia and they called for more supports from the central banks of both countries for this mechanism.

In the meeting, Karbasi expressed hope that due to the positive approach of statesmen of Armenia and Iran for strengthening ties, hidden capacities of the two countries would be exploited and economic activists of Iran and Armenia would make the most of this opportunity.

He then briefed the Armenian officials about the actions of ICCIMA as well as the Iran-Armenia Joint Chamber of Commerce for strengthening bilateral relations of both countries.

Karbasi then pointed to the establishment of the Iran-Armenia Joint Chamber of Commerce and its actions, saying that one of the important goals behind the launch of the joint chamber has been to identify capacities ahead of the economies of Iran and Armenia.

He reiterated that Iran enjoys high potentials for production and commercial and agro capacities which can complete the capacities of Armenia and they can be used favorably in line with the bilateral interests of both countries.

He went on to say that Armenia as a member of the Eurasian Economic Union can be a land gateway for Iran for its access to the Eurasian member states, and through launching joint venture companies in the transportation sector, Iran can use this capacity for faster transfer of goods to Eurasia.

Karbasi added that agro and fishery are two intact sectors by both countries and announced the readiness of Iran for cooperation in the aquatic sector. He also pointed to the strong capabilities of Iranian companies active in the technical and engineering sector and announced readiness for implementing joint projects with the Armenians.

He then reiterated that barter trade can be a good and important mechanism for boosting bilateral trade and urged the central banks of both countries for supporting this mechanism.

Then Makaryan, for his part, explained the reason for the launch of the UMEA and said that the goals of the union are in close cooperation with the Armenian government, reiterating that international cooperation and developing exports are the major priorities of the union.

He termed the exchange of technical know-how is of the most important fields for cooperation between Iran and Armenia, reiterating Iran’s capacity in this field is very important for Armenia.

He also urged ICCIMA to prepare a list of Iranian companies which are keen to be active in Armenia. He emphasized that currently there are some dormant factories in Armenia and through cooperation with these companies, the factories can resume their activities, production of joint goods, and their exports could be shaped through cooperation between Armenian and Iranian partners.

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In a statement on Saturday, the embassy of Iran in Yerevan said the government of Armenia has extended a state of emergency by July 13 to curb the spread of the coronavirus, noting that the Caucasus country has defined a set of criteria to end the state of emergency, including the creation of an effective vaccine or introduction of treatment for COVID-19.

The embassy said restrictions on the entry of foreign nationals into Armenia are still in place.

It also noted that Iran’s embassy is in constant contact with the Armenian officials and is pursuing efforts to lower and remove the barriers to trade between Iran and Armenia, settle the problems that Iranians may face in Armenia under the state of emergency, and urge the Armenian government to make arrangements for individuals and groups with special conditions.

In April, Iran’s president and the prime minister of Armenia called for plans to normalize the trade exchanges between the two neighbors following a slump in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak, stressing that resumption of trade should conform to the health protocols.

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In a telephone conversation on Tuesday, Iran President Hassan Rouhani and Prime Minister of Armenia, Nikol Pashinyan highlighted the growing mutual ties between Tehran and Yerevan but stressed the need for working together in the Joint Commission to develop the bilateral relations.

They emphasized that the officials at the common border must push for the gradual normalization of trade exchanges and business relations in full compliance with the health regulations.

Referring to the spread of the coronavirus in many countries around the world and the problems that this disease has created for governments and nations, the two sides stressed the need to develop regional and international cooperation, and touched upon transfer of experiences in dealing with the coronavirus, the Iranian government’s official website reported.

Iran’s president said the Islamic Republic is ready to export hygienic and health facilities as well as ventilators and face masks to Armenia.

Referring to Iran’s successes in the production of those medical supplies, Rouhani said Tehran is ready to meet the needs of other countries, including Armenia, in the fight against coronavirus.

For his part, Pashiniyan praised the success of the Islamic Republic in combating COVID-19 and the positive results it has achieved.

He also offered congratulations to the government and people of Iran at the start of the holy month of Ramadan.

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TEHRAN (Iran News) – Armenia is ready to provide the grounds for bolstering its economic relations with Iran, says the Armenian ambassador to the Islamic Republic.

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TEHRAN (Iran News) – Iranian Minister of Oil Bijan Namdar Zanganeh discussed with Armenian Minister of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure Suren Papikyan on export of gas to Armenia and receiving electricity from the country.

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