Armenia-Iran Relations

[Armenum]

Despite having deep religious and idealogical differences, Armenia and Iran over the years have been able to maintain solid economic and strategic relations. While relations between Iran and Azerbaijan (2 countries that are historically and religiously closer) have soured for numerous reasons. Given that Armenia is heavily blockaded, Iran has been of great help to Armenia since it has supplied gas and numerous other resources to Armenia. Even though the Iranian people may sympathize with their Muslim neighbours (Azerbaijan) over Armenia, the Islamic Government has done the opposite and has been very warm with Armenia. EU and US have understood the importance of these relations given the blockades of Armenia and have thus let the relations flourish without any pressure. As Armenia is also close with Russia, this has effectively produced a new regional alliance (Russia-Armenia-Iran).

TEHRAN (FNA)—The governments of Armenia and Iran will work closer together in the future to promote the deepening of bilateral ties between the two countries, Armenia’s Ambassador to Tehran, Grigor Arakelian, said on Wednesday, the Iranian Farse News Agency reported.
Speaking to FNA in an interview, Arakelian said that cooperation between Iran and his country would serve the interests of both nations.
“There is a good prospect for cooperation between Iran and Armenia,” Araklian said, noting the already high level of economic and cultural cooperation between the neighboring countries.
He said Tehran and Yerevan have endorsed over 200 cooperation agreements during the last two decades.
Thought Iran and Armenia have enjoyed strong relations for nearly two decades, the Armenian envoy urged deeper collaboration and in a much broader capacity.
“A number of obstacles,” however, are preventing Armenian-Iranian relations from reaching the next level. Arakelian said. “Armenia enjoys an open economic system but certain rules in Iran have made it difficult for Armenian companies to operate in the country,” he explained.
“If both countries become members of an international economic body, like the World Trade Organization, it would render much help to the expansion of their relations,” he added.
Iran on Tuesday hosted an international conference in Tehran on trade and investment opportunities in Armenia. Armenian and Iranian officials spoke at the conference on the potential of the private sector to help promote ties between the two countries
Speaking at the conference, Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Amir Mansour Borqe’I called on Iranian and Armenian officials to explore every available avenue to increase trade ties and exchanges between the two countries.
“Iran and Armenia should use all the existing potentials to expand commercial activities and mutual investment by the (two countries’) private sector,” Borqe’i said.
Ahram Narsisian, a senior advisor to Armenian President Serzh Sarkisian, echoed Borqe’i’s remarks, adding that Official Yerevan would support any effort to promote relations with Iran.

Despite this, politicians in Iran and Azerbaijan have tried to spoil these relations. And Azerbaijan has even called Iran to replace US in the OSCE Minsk Group that mediates Karabakh.

Washington to use Armenian territory to attack Iran - Azerbaijani MP

Wed 28 April 2010 | 08:01 GMT
According to MP Eldar Ibrahimov, the United States is planning to use Armenia for offensive against Iran.
“The United States intends to dislocate its military bases in Armenia”, Public TV channel reports that the due statement was made by chairman of the committee on agrarian policy of Milli Medjlis Eldar Ibrahimov at a meeting with representatives of the Iranian parliament on April 27.

“Iran is actively cooperating with Armenia that occupied the fifth part of the Azerbaijani territory. If not for the comprehensive support of Tehran, Armenia would have withdrawn from the Azerbaijani lands long before”, he said.

According to the parliamentarian, Azerbaijan does not interfere with the internal affairs of Iran.

“Nevertheless, some time ago when the United States stated the intention to use Azerbaijan as a platform for offensive against Iran, our president said he will not let this. A similar position has been demonstrated by the Turkish leadership from which the Americans have been planning to strike Iran. At that time the United States decided to open their military bases in Armenia, for which they have started to support the opening of the Turkish-Armenian border. However, the leaders of fraternal Turkey have kept their promise to official Baku”, Ibrahimov said ]

Iranian Supreme Leader’s representative Syed Hasan Amoli: “US and Israeli support to Armenia purposes to create confrontation in the region”

[ 26 Apr 2010 18:49 ]

Baku. Suleiman Farzaliyev – APA. “Armenia should know US and Israel intend to create confrontation in the region while longing for Armenia.

The trick of these two countries is not in favor of the Muslims and the region”, said Iranian Supreme Leader’s representative in Ardabil province Syed Hasan Amoli, APA reports quoting FARS news agency. He said the Karabakh issue remained unresolved for almost 20 years. “It was so because of the United States and Israel which are mediating between Azerbaijan and Armenia, as if they purpose to establish peace in the region. We see that mediator organizations are not able to solve this problem. They are trying to increase tensions”.

Amoli said Azerbaijan positively reacted to the Iran’s proposal to mediate in the solution of Nagorno Karabakh problem, but Armenia still kept silent. “It seems Armenia doesn’t want Iran to solve this problem friendly and peacefully. Armenia makes great mistake to follow US and other Western countries. Armenia should take lessons from the experience of Turkey and Azerbaijan”.

Amoli said Iran wanted Azerbaijan to be permanently developed. “Violation of the rights of this country is embarrassing us. Azerbaijan should know that foreigners don’t want its welfare and development. They are coming to Azerbaijan for their interests. I hope that Karabakh will be liberated from the Armenian occupation and destroyed villages, including mosques of this ancient land will be reconstructed and azan will be sounded from the minarets again”.

You decide.
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[jankren]

What is Armenia?

 

[Echuta]

Dont forget Iran has huger Azeri population than Azerbaijan itself, with the current turmoils , I dont think Iran would want to risk siding with Armenia if a war would happen.

 

[Tiberios]

On the other hand, Iran could have an interest in supporting armenia. As having Azerbaijan occupied with the NK issue would possibly mean that Azerbaijan would focus less on the Azeri's living in Iran.

 

[Djigit123]

And Azerbaijan has even called Iran to replace US in the OSCE Minsk Group that mediates Karabakh.

​

Where did you get this from? Azerbaijan only have called Turkey to participate in OSCE Minsk Group, and not excluding anyone but only adding Turkey. Azerbaijan have not made any calls like replacing US in OSCE Minsk Group.

And OSCE Minsk Group are useless.

 

[Babur]

Mov, how is it that when I mentioned this in another thread you tried to downplay its signficance?

Armenian-Iranian relations also remain close because some irrendentists in Azerbaijan claim Iranian Azerbaijan (including the cities of Ardabil and Tabriz).

 

[athanaric]

A classical example of a strategic alliance. I'd even approve of it, were it not for the stinking political system in Iran.

 

[removeduser_052420]

Armenia... Wait, are you talking about that small country in the middle east that has basically no strategic importance at all?

 

[Armenum]

Armenia... Wait, are you talking about that small country in the middle east that has basically no strategic importance at all?

Actually Armenia is an important Caucasian transit country. Several gas/oil projects that would bring gas to Europe would go through Armenia (e.g. Nabucco) but because of Karabakh issue this is difficult now. Yes Armenia doesn't have strategic importance such as Iran or Turkey, but what do you expect from a landlocked, tiny country?

 

[Djigit123]

Several gas/oil projects that would bring gas to Europe would go through Armenia (e.g. Nabucco) but because of Karabakh issue this is difficult now.

Why that? Armenia are not needed at all, even if there wasn't the Karabakh conflict.

 

[Armenum]

Why that? Armenia are not needed at all, even if there wasn't the Karabakh conflict.

The pipline would go from Azerbaijan/Caspian sea through Armenia to Turkey. It's the chepeast route. nevertheless take a look at a map and see where Armenia is located. It is a typical transit country and such transit has increased greatly. For example, the airport in Armenia is the biggest in the region, and serves the most destinations. This is because of the transit and heavy tourism in Armenia.

 

[Djigit123]

The pipline would go from Azerbaijan/Caspian sea through Armenia to Turkey. It's the chepeast route. nevertheless take a look at a map and see where Armenia is located. It is a typical transit country.

Maybe you should do that instead of telling me. Georgia does the job fine.

Cheapest route? It would be before building the pipeline thru Georgia but not now when the pipelines exist (thru Georgia).

 

[Armenum]

Maybe you should do that instead of telling me. Georgia does the job fine.

Cheapest route? It would be before building the pipeline thru Georgia but not now when the pipelines exist (thru Georgia).

As you see the initial pipeline would go through Georgia, however it would be much cheaper to go through Armenia because it would be a much shorter distance. If it wasn't for the closed borders, pipeline would go through Armenia. Now Nabucco is stalled for this reason.

 

[CarbEast]

As you see the initial pipeline would go through Georgia, however it would be much cheaper to go through Armenia because it would be a much shorter distance. If it wasn't for the closed borders, pipeline would go through Armenia. Now Nabucco is stalled for this reason.

Sorry, but you making things up. Armenia's geographical location doesn't give it any kind of importance as a transit country. Nabucco was never planned to go through Armenia, moreover it wouldn't be a tiny less expensive to build this way, because that whould require pulling the pipeline up in the mountains. Take a look at physical map of the area and you'll find that proposed route for pipeline skirts around the mountain's bottom. And finally, stalling (or not) of Nabucco pipeline project has nothing to do with Armenia whatsoever.

 

[Armenum]

Sorry, but you making things up. Armenia's geographical location doesn't give it any kind of importance as a transit country. Nabucco was never planned to go through Armenia, moreover it wouldn't be a tiny less expensive to build this way, because that whould require pulling the pipeline up in the mountains. Take a look at physical map of the area and you'll find that proposed route for pipeline skirts around the mountain's bottom. And finally, stalling (or not) of Nabucco pipeline project has nothing to do with Armenia whatsoever.

There are mountains everywhere, this is the Caucasus region. And taking a direct route rather than doing a loop around, is much more cheaper especially when we're taking about gas pipelines which are expensive to build and place. Armenia is already an important transit country has a lot of commerce goes in/out and through of Armenia. One example is the large airport. If all borders with Armenia open then it will be an even more important transit country.

 

[Djigit123]

"because it would be a much shorter distance."

You always talks about locations and posts maps yet talk so ignorantly. How much shorter is that to be so significant?

And even like carbeast said, even the terrain favours more to do it thru Georgia rather then Armenia.

Lord Mov, how is Armenia any importnant transit country? You don't have seas or something and there are alternatives to the tiny territority Armenia is consisting of. But why are we discussing it? There will never be anything thru Armenia.

 

[Armenum]

"because it would be a much shorter distance."

You always talks about locations and posts maps yet talk so ignorantly. How much shorter is that to be so significant?

And even like carbeast said, even the terrain favours more to do it thru Georgia rather then Armenia.

Lord Mov, how is Armenia any importnant transit country? You don't have seas or something and there are alternatives to the tiny territority Armenia is consisting of. But why are we discussing it? There will never be anything thru Armenia.

It simple logic. Is it quicker to builder a pipeline looping around or building it straight through. The answer is obvious, and it is more expensive to builder the pipeline through Georgia. You think there are no mountains in Georgia?

Given Armenia is landlocked and small, it is relatively a strong transit country. You can't compare a country like Turkey to Armenia in this matter, you must look at it in relative terms.

 

[Djigit123]

It simple logic. Is it quicker to builder a pipeline looping around or building it straight through. The answer is obvious, and it is more expensive to builder the pipeline through Georgia. You think there are no mountains in Georgia?

Given Armenia is landlocked and small, it is relatively a strong transit country. You can't compare a country like Turkey to Armenia in this matter, you must look at it in relative terms.

There is no significant difference. And yes, the territority that it passes thru Georgia are far less mountainous.

I will advice you your own words. Look at a map, yes I m sure Armenia is an importnant transit country.

 

[Armenum]

There is no significant difference. And yes, the territority that it passes thru Georgia are far less mountainous.

I will advice you your own words. Look at a map, yes I m sure Armenia is an importnant transit country.

You can't read? I've said that given it's conditions Armenia is a strong transit country. You can't compare Armenia with countries which have sea, you have to compare Armenia with countries in similar situation and you will see Armenia has a relatively strong transit.

 

[removeduser_052420]

If Georgia is less mountainous than Armenia, and armenia doesn't have access to the ocean or a sea, then I don't see how that makes it a transit point.

 

[white-wolf]

lord mov your idea that is armenia a strong transit country is hilarious. I have not hear anything stupid as this ages.

Now hear; Georgia as a transit country is better than armenia.

Even if armenia is a good transit country, tell me one good reason why Turkey can choose Armenia? Do Turks eat their brains to choose an enemy country?

 

[Armenum]

lord mov your idea that is armenia a strong transit country is hilarious. I have not hear anything stupid as this ages.

Now hear; Georgia as a transit country is better than armenia.

Even if armenia is a good transit country, tell me one good reason why Turkey can choose Armenia? Do Turks eat their brains to choose an enemy country?

Apparently, you don't understand things very well. Do I have to repeat the same thing over and over and be ignored and thus receive an ignorant answer? I will repeat it one last time, it is not my fault some people here can't understand when reading.

You can't compare Armenia to Georgia because of their location. You have to compare Armenia to other small, landlocked, preferably ex-soviet countries (Moldova, Tajikistan, etc.) When you do so, you see that Armenia is relatively been a consistent transit hub especially in airport. The roads is being greatly improved especially between Georgia and Armenia to improve this transit status. If borders open Armenia can be even greater transit nation as it lies in the heart of South Caucuses and any direct gas/oil pipelines, from South Caucasus to europe, shortest way is through Armenia.

 

[white-wolf]

Apparently, you don't understand things very well. Do I have to repeat the same thing over and over and be ignored and thus receive an ignorant answer? I will repeat it one last time, it is not my fault some people here can't understand when reading.

You can't compare Armenia to Georgia because of their location. You have to compare Armenia to other small, landlocked, preferably ex-soviet countries (Moldova, Tajikistan, etc.) When you do so, you see that Armenia is relatively been a consistent transit hub especially in airport. The roads is being greatly improved especially between Georgia and Armenia to improve this transit status. If borders open Armenia can be even greater transit nation as it lies in the heart of South Caucuses and any direct gas/oil pipelines, from South Caucasus to europe, shortest way is through Armenia.

Again an ignorant answer.

It is irrelevant of armenia's releationship to other small, land-locked, ex-soviet states.

It is simplest terms; why Turkey chooses armenia as a transit route?

Have no benefit for Turkey. Armenia's eagerness for a transit route country is zero importance for Turkey.

 

[Armenum]

Again an ignorant answer.

It is irrelevant of armenia's releationship to other small, land-locked, ex-soviet states.

It is simplest terms; why Turkey chooses armenia as a transit route?

Have no benefit for Turkey. Armenia's eagerness for a transit route country is zero importance for Turkey.

Let's say there is a regional economic project that will benefit all parties in the region (e.g. a pipeline). It is very possible using Armenia as a transit country will be much cheaper than using Iran or Georgia. Armenia had plans with Turkey of possibly supplying electricity to East Turkey. And let me remind you Eastern Turkey is more underdeveloped and poor than Armenia.

If the issue of Karabakh is solved, this will all be more possible. Eastern Turkey actually could benefit a lot if there open border with Armenia and trading occurred and I know eastern Turkey is a concern for Turkey also.

 

[white-wolf]

Let's say there is a regional economic project that will benefit all parties in the region (e.g. a pipeline). It is very possible using Armenia as a transit country will be much cheaper than using Iran or Georgia. Armenia had plans with Turkey of possibly supplying electricity to East Turkey. And let me remind you Eastern Turkey is more underdeveloped and poor than Armenia.

If the issue of Karabakh is solved, this will all be more possible. Eastern Turkey actually could benefit a lot if there open border with Armenia and trading occurred and I know eastern Turkey is a concern for Turkey also.

No.

It has no benefits for Turkey to use Armenia as a transit corridor. Your thesis of it will be cheaper to build a line at Armenia already dismantled by other members. And remember there are already built line s exist and in usage.

Other points of your post:

- Armenia is not supplying electricty to Turkey. Armenia is eager to sell electricty to Turkey thought. It is not a new news(!). Turkey (due to high demand for her industry) alrady buys electricty from Bulgaria. I know there were talks between a Turkish company and Armenia state about electricty, it was not realised.

- Trade benefit between Armenia and Turkey, if the border will opened, will be very little for Turkey, even it will greatly effect Armenia. Sure, Eastern Turkey will get more benefits than other parts. However, a small and poor country like Armenia can not provide much revenues for Eastern Turkey.

 

[Armenum]

No.

It has no benefits for Turkey to use Armenia as a transit corridor. Your thesis of it will be cheaper to build a line at Armenia already dismantled by other members. And remember there are already built line s exist and in usage.

Other points of your post:

- Armenia is not supplying electricty to Turkey. Armenia is eager to sell electricty to Turkey thought. It is not a new news(!). Turkey (due to high demand for her industry) alrady buys electricty from Bulgaria. I know there were talks between a Turkish company and Armenia state about electricty, it was not realised.

- Trade benefit between Armenia and Turkey, if the border will opened, will be very little for Turkey, even it will greatly effect Armenia. Sure, Eastern Turkey will get more benefits than other parts. However, a small and poor country like Armenia can not provide much revenues for Eastern Turkey.

I think both Turkey and Armenia could benefit from having Armenia be a trading partner with Turkey. One, Armenia would have more/shorter access for trade with EU and also Turkey's poor Eastern region could benefit from this trade. Armenia does have resources especially diamonds, copper, metals and other manufactured goods. The real benefit for Turkey would be the better Eastern Turkey and also a warmer reception with EU.

 

[removeduser_052420]

I don't think the words "Armenia" and "manufactured goods" should be in the same sentence, considering the size of Armenian Industry....

 

[Armenum]

I don't think the words "Armenia" and "manufactured goods" should be in the same sentence, considering the size of Armenian Industry....

Armenia has a healthy source of copper and diamonds that it imports. Several european companies have made investments in this very profitable sector. Armenia also has a very large tourist economy. You go to central Yerevan you see tourists right and left. You also often see German/French tour buses around town

 

[Babur]

Armenia has a healthy source of copper and diamonds that it imports. Several european companies have made investments in this very profitable sector. Armenia also has a very large tourist economy. You go to central Yerevan you see tourists right and left. You also often see German/French tour buses around town

And Azerbaijan has oil

anyway this proves that Armenia has close historical links with the Middle East

 

[Djigit123]

Armenia has much more to do with middle-east then Georgia or Azerbaijan. Not that its something bad, but Lord Mov are somehow sensitive about it.

The Armenian kingdom in middle ages were in middle-east. Armenian population in Caucasus was non-existent prior to 18th century.