Iran, Armenia agree to build car bridge at Nurduz-Agarak border crossing

By Syed Zafar Mehdi

TEHRAN, Iran (AA) – Iran and Armenia have agreed to put the construction of a car bridge at the Nurduz-Agarak border crossing on the agenda to bolster their economic cooperation.

The decision was taken during the 18th meeting of the Iran-Armenia Joint Economic Commission held in the Iranian capital this week, Iran's state media reported on Sunday.

Senior officials attended the meeting to explore ways of boosting bilateral economic cooperation, including the development of transport infrastructure.

Among the topics that came up for discussion included the development of transport corridors between the two countries, especially the North-South corridor, as well as the construction of tunnels and export of engineering services.

The construction of a car bridge at the Nurduz-Agarak border terminal was one of the most important subjects discussed. The two sides agreed to sign a memorandum of understanding within one month and to form a joint working group to oversee the project.

In December, Armenian Deputy Minister for Territorial Administration and Infrastructure Kristina Galechyan said that the two countries are working on a project to build a new bridge across the Araz River.

He said the parameters of the bridge already functional will be taken into account, adding that the feasibility report will determine how the project will ultimately take shape.

Iran and Armenia also signed a total of 19 documents and memoranda of understanding during the economic commission meeting to expand bilateral cooperation in various sectors, including trade, maritime transportation and medicine.

Armenian Deputy Prime Minister Mher Grigoryan, who headed his country's delegation, said the two countries aim to increase their volume of trade to $3 billion, calling Iran "a very important partner."