Iran, Armenia Agree to Expand Energy Cooperation and Establish Joint Working Group

Iran and Armenia have agreed to deepen energy cooperation and establish a joint specialized working group following talks between Iranian Oil Minister Mohsen Paknejad and Armenian Minister of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure Davit Khudatyan in Tehran. During the meeting, Paknejad praised Armenia for its support during difficult periods and reaffirmed Iran’s readiness to strengthen bilateral cooperation within the framework of its technical and economic capabilities.

The two ministers reviewed a broad range of potential energy initiatives, including expanding bilateral trade, exporting Iranian technical and engineering services, constructing refineries, and increasing supplies of petroleum products to Armenia. Paknejad said the newly agreed working group should begin operations as soon as possible so that tangible progress can be assessed during the next round of bilateral discussions.

Paknejad noted that the existing energy partnership between the two countries is based on a gas-for-electricity swap arrangement but said Tehran has proposed a new commercial framework aimed at expanding natural gas exports to Armenia. He expressed confidence that closer cooperation would further strengthen energy ties and create new opportunities for both countries.