Most ambitious purpose of Armenia-Iran cooperation in the gas field is transition of Iranian gas to Europe: Iranian expert
A delegation will leave from Armenia to Tehran on November 1 upon the assignment of Armenian PM Karen Karapetyan, to sign a sales contract on Iranian gas. Upon the PM’s decision, to expand cooperation with National Iranian Gas Company (NIGEC) Armenian delegation will head for the Islamic Republic of Iran from October 30 to November 1. The delegation will be headed by Hayk Harutyunyan, Deputy Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, head of board of “Energia-Impeks” CSJC.
Iranian analyst Ali Salami told 168.am, that this is a rather perspective start for Armenia-Iran gas cooperation. Salami stated that naturally at this stage dimensional cooperation shouldn’t be anticipated, as the sides will yet attempt to understand cooperation potential and possibilities of Armenia-Iran cooperation.
“It’s important to touch upon the possibilities, as it’s one point intending to deepen cooperation in this field, touch upon transition of Iranian gas through Armenia to Europe, and it’s another point the ability of its implementation, as there are other actors in the field as well, the issue of infrastructures, expenditures are also existent. However, if you memorize, the Iranian side, represented by recent two Ambassadors of Iran to Armenia, has repeatedly touched upon these programs.
After sanctions against Iran have been lifted, by launching cooperation, I consider, the sides will discuss their possibilities for wider cooperation, with the possibility of transition of Iranian gas to Europe. However, at the initial stage supply of gas to Armenia with small volume may be expected.
The possibility of transition regarding this cooperation probably may be considered as the most ambitious purpose, which is conditioned by numerous factors, including geopolitical, economic, regional, timely and etc. Hopefully, this program will become much more realistic with time, which will serve interests of Iran, as well as Armenia and Georgia, more strengthening both our relations and economies,” Salami said, adding that level of Armenia-Iran relations allows shaping such important programs.
Regarding possible visit of Iranian president Hasan Rouhani to Armenia, Iranian analyst considers that the visit is being postponed, if we take into consideration that it’s being spoken for about 2 years. “I don’t observe political issues in postponing of this issue, as Armenia-Iran relations are rather strong to bear the influence of the third parties. I consider, the sides gain time, attempt to replenish the agenda of Armenia-Iran high level relations.
I don’t consider that main visit will make us wait long,” Ali Salami said. According to the latter, this visit will become an important milestone at this stage of Armenia-Iran relations, as all these issues will be covered on a high level.
By Araks Martirosyan
