Armenian FM Hopes for Fruitful Talks between Iran, Powers

(FNA)- Armenian Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian underlined his country's support for the nuclear talks between Tehran and the world powers, and expressed the hope that the negotiations would yield results.

Nalbandian made the remarks in a joint press conference with his Iranian counterpart Mohammad Javad Zarif in Yerevan on Monday.

The 10th round of negotiations between Iran and the six world powers was held in Vienna from November 18 to 24, where the seven nations decided to extend the talks until July after they failed to strike an agreement.

The latest round of the nuclear talks between the two sides was held at the level of deputy foreign ministers in Geneva, Switzerland, on January 18. The two sides decided to continue their talk early in February. Both Iran and the powers negotiators have underlined that cutting a final deal before the July 10 deadline is possible.

Zarif arrived in Yerevan on Monday to confer on the latest developments in the region and explore new ways for the promotion of bilateral relations.

Zarif’s two-day visit to the country is taking place at the formal invitation of his Armenian counterpart.

The Iranian top diplomat and his accompanying delegation, are scheduled to hold separate meetings with Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan, Prime Minister Hovik Abrahamyan and Parliament Speaker Galust Sahakyan.

Iran and Armenia have taken major strides towards widening and deepening of their relations in recent years, particularly in the economic sector.

In October, Abrahamyan, heading a high-ranking delegation, visited Iran to confer with senior officials of the country on ways to develop all-out ties.

Abrahamyan held meetings with a number of high-ranking Iranian officials, including Zarif, during which they exchanged views on the growing trend of the development of bilateral relations in all areas, specially in economic, trade, infrastructures and tourism fields, and underscored the necessity for removing the existing obstacles.

They also called for continued reciprocal visits by Iranian and Armenian officials to consult and exchange views on the bilateral relations and other issues of mutual interest.