Iran, Armenia to Get Railway Project off Ground
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – A top Armenian official said Tehran has expressed readiness to finance the construction of a railway which is due to connect Iran with Armenia.
Iran is ready to cover the expenses for the construction of the Iranian part of the Iran-Armenia railway, Armenpress quoted Secretary of the National Security Council of the Republic of Armenia Arthur Baghdasaryan as saying on Friday.
“Armenia continues the negotiations with Iran on the launch of the construction works of the Iran-Armenia railway”, Baghdasaryan pointed out.
He further added that Yerevan has made the necessary arrangements to provide funding for the Armenian part of the project.
The Armenian official was also quoted as saying that several companies from Russia, China and Iran have shown interest in the railway construction project in his country.
According to experts, around $1.7-2.8 bln is required for implementation of the project.
Iran attaches great importance to constructive interaction with foreign countries, particularly its neighboring states.
Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said in August that Tehran would focus efforts on strengthening relations with Armenia.
“Tehran’s effort will be focused on enhancement of relations (with Armenia) and raising the level of cooperation in all fields,” Rouhani said in a meeting with his Armenian counterpart Serzh Sargsian at the time.
He also pointed to cultural commonalities between the two neighboring countries, and said, “Relations between Iran and Armenia have been always friendly, close and on the basis of fulfillment of mutual interests.”
