Prime Minister Karen Karapetyan on Nov. 18 received Iranian delegation Deputy Minister of Economy and Finance, Head of Iran’s Customs Administration Masoud Karbasian (Photo: gov.am)

YEREVAN (Armenpress)—Prime Minister of Armenia Karen Karapetyan on November 18 received the Iranian delegation led by Deputy Minister of Economy and Finance, Head of Iran’s Customs Administration Masoud Karbasian, press service of the Government said.

“The Islamic Republic of Iran is not only a friendly country with Armenia, but also it is one of the key partners, and our political dialogue is at the highest level. However, we have a potential to further expand and develop our economic relations. The harmonious works of the customs offices of the two states will also contribute to the development of trade-economic ties,” Karapetyan said.

He informed that on Friday at the Government’s session he instructed the respective Ministries to form a working group and work with the Iranian side towards boosting the export of Armenian products, in particular, the food and agricultural products, from Armenia to Iran, as well as to discuss with the businessmen the prospects of establishing a free economic zone in the territory bordering Iran. Karapetyan said this is a mutually beneficial chance for the businessmen of the two states, and works must be carried out on that path.

The Iranian official congratulated Karapetyan on his appointment and wished him success.

Presenting the results of working talks with the Chairman of the State Revenue Committee under the Armenian Government Vardan Harutyunyan, Masoud Karbasian said a number of agreements were reached at the meeting. In particular, a Memorandum of understanding was signed on cooperation in customs administration, the both sides attached importance to the online exchange of information, as well as informing the Armenian and Iranian societies about the customs procedures.

“We can establish cooperation towards the Eurasian Economic Union market through the free economic zone. Armenia, as a linking bridge, can play a decisive role in this sector, which in its turn will contribute to implementing joint investment projects,” Karbasian said.

In response, Karapetyan said Armenia is ready to form a respective platform towards the EAEU market.

The sides also discussed a number of issues of bilateral interest, related to the cooperation development in transportation and transit infrastructures sectors.