Iran's FM spokesman calls for expansion of ties with Armenia

Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Ramin Mehman-Parast in a meeting with Armenian Deputy Foreign Minister Shavarsh Kocharyan said that Tehran is ready to enhance economic and tourism relations with Yerevan.Mehman-Parast pointed to Iran-Armenia Joint Economic Commission as a suitable framework for broadening of bilateral economic ties, and said, "Mass media also play a pivotal role in introducing business and tourism attractions."Mehman-Parast, heading a high-ranking delegation, arrived in the Armenian capital city on Monday night for a four-day visit to the country.Mehman-Parast's visit to Armenia comes after he paid a visit to Belarus. He is slated to discuss the latest regional and international developments with the Armenian officials, including his counterpart Tigran Balayan.The Iranian diplomat is also slated to meet with Armenian Foreign Minister Eduard Nalbandian and give visits to some academic and press centers.Mehman-Parast started his regional tour last Wednesday by paying a visit to Belarus in the first leg of his trips.Earlier this year, Armenia's President Serzh Sargsian appreciated Tehran for its effective mutual cooperation with Yerevan, and underlined his country's enthusiasm for the further expansion of ties with Iran.Sargsian appreciated Tehran for its effective bilateral cooperation with Yerevan during the past years.He said that his country "attaches great importance to expansion of relations with Iran" despite efforts made by the US-led western states to reduce Tehran-Yerevan ties.Addressing people in the Armenian city of Meghri, President Sargsian said "Armenia will continue efforts" to promote bilateral cooperation with Iran.In recent years, Iran and its Northern neighbor Armenia have signed agreements on energy cooperation and agreed to cooperate in technology and research and to enhance ties in commerce and economy.Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and Sargsian pledged in December 2011 to further expand "high-level relations" between their nations and, in particular, give new impetus to the implementation of joint energy projects that have fallen behind schedule.