Alalam - Iran

Heading a high-ranking political and economic delegation, the Iranian chief executive left Tehran early Wednesday for the Armenian capital of Yerevan.

The visits come at the invitation of the respective countries’ heads of state.

The Iranian delegation is then scheduled to hold meetings with designated parties in each country followed by the signing of documents, which will enable further expansion of bilateral ties with each nation.

Together with Russia and Belarus, the countries form the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU).

Ahead of his departure, Rouhani said ties with the three countries are highly important to Iran in the light of mutually-beneficial economic potentials.

The Iranian president further said cooperation with the three countries will contribute to the Islamic Republic’s national security.

“Over the past years, we have established closer ties with this group (EAEU),” said Rouhani, adding, “We are pursuing economic relations featuring preferential tariffs and ultimately free trade with these countries.”

The upcoming talks will also focus on the issues of terrorism and insecurity as well as unity among the nations concerning regional issues, Rouhani said.

On December 6, Iran’s Ministry of Industry, Mine and Trade said the country could be signing a preferential trade agreement with the EAEU in one or two months.

The potential signing of the deal would be followed by efforts to reach a free trade agreement with the body, the ministry added.

In a recent meeting with Iran’s Ambassador to Yerevan Seyyed Kazem Sajjadi, Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan said Rouhani’s trip would be a historic opportunity for the enhancement of mutual relations.

SA