According to Iranologist Vardan Voskanyan, the upcoming meeting of Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Iranian President Hassan Rouhani can be viewed as a new development in Armenia-Iran relations.
“The sooner they meet, the better. At the moment it is being delayed since political changes are taking place in Armenia. On the other hand, Iran is not sure what policy the new government of Armenia holds”, noted the expert.
According to Vardan Voskanyan, the Armenian side should be more active in developing the relations with Iran, since Iran is not an initiator from that standpoint: “Iran is not in haste, since it is sure its millennial presence in the region will continue, but the forces that try to limit the Armenian-Iranian relations should realize that relations with Iran are vital for Armenia”.
As for the Armenia-Iran railway project which has not been implemented, Vardan Voskanyan said: “Currently, we cannot find financial means, but it does not mean that it is not possible in the future. We must initiate the funding, for instance, through Diaspora”.
Luiza SUKIASYAN
