Armenia and Iran strengthen cooperation
By M. Alkhazashvili
(Translated by Diana Dundua)

The latest sign of increased Armenian-Iranian cooperation took the form of a new highway link between the two countries through the Meghri Pass, which officially opened on October 26.

Armenian President Robert Kocharian said it was proof of development between Iran and Armenia at a joint news conference with Iranian President Mahmoud Amadinejad.

“Both sides are entering a new stage of bilateral relations, which includes cooperation in the banking sphere, [and the planned] construction of a hydroelectric power plant on the Araks River,” Kocharian told journalists, according to PanARMENIA news outlet.
 
The Armenian government hopes the 90 kilometer highway will help Armenia become a transit country, according to the Regnum news agency.

Iran, for its part, is seeking a mediator between Iran and the West, according to former Armenian prime minister Armen Darbinian.

He also said Iran is hoping to access Europe’s energy market via Armenia.

“Iran’s strategic aim is to create links that will enable it access to Europe’s energy market. Although the US is against this idea,” Darbinian said, according to Regnum.

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