Iran, Armenia Seeking to Boost Gas, Electricity Trade
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Armenian energy minister plans to hold talks with his Iranian counterpart today as part of the two neighboring countries' efforts to boost electricity for gas trade, based on which Iran supplies gas to Armenia and receives electricity.
Iranian Energy Minister Hamid Chitchian and his Armenian counterpart Yervand Zakharyan are scheduled to meet in Tehran and explore ways for boosting the amount of gas and electricity trade.
In May 2009, Iran and Armenia started trading gas and electricity. According to a contract previously signed between the two countries, Iran was planned to supply gas to Armenia until 2029 with or without exchanging electricity with the country.
Speaking to the Tasnim News Agency, Iran's Deputy Energy Minister Houshang Falahatian said that the amount of gas that has been exported to Armenia and an amount of electricity imported from the country did not match the agreed amount based on the contract between the two sides.
“Recently, we held meetings with Armenian officials and based on agreements, we are constructing new power transmission lines (from Armenia to Iran),” he noted, adding that the financial resources for the new transmission line have been supplied by Export Development Bank of Iran.
He noted that the new lines will prepare the ground for growth in energy trade between the two neighboring countries.