President in Armenia on first leg of Central Asia tour

President Hassan Rouhani has arrived in Yerevan, the capital of Armenia, on the first leg of a Central Asia tour, which will also take him to Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan at the invitation of the respective countries’ heads of state.

Heading a high-ranking political and economic delegation, the Iranian chief executive left Tehran early Wednesday for Yerevan. President Rouhani was welcomed by Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan at the airport upon arrival.

Shortly afterwards, an official welcoming ceremony was held for President Rouhani at the presidential palace.

Later in the day, the Iranian and Armenian presidents attended the signing ceremony of five memorandums of understanding (MoUs) and cooperation agreements between Tehran and Yerevan in different areas, including tourism, sports and culture.

President Rouhani is scheduled to hold meetings with designated parties in Armenia, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan followed by the signing of documents, which will enable further expansion of bilateral ties with each nation.

Together with Russia and Belarus, the countries form the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU).

Ahead of his departure, President Rouhani said ties with the three countries are highly important to Iran in the light of mutually-beneficial economic potentials.

The President further said cooperation with the three countries will contribute to the Islamic Republic’s national security.

“Over the past years, we have established closer ties with this group (EAEU),” said President Rouhani, adding, “We are pursuing economic relations featuring preferential tariffs and ultimately free trade with these countries.”

The upcoming talks will also focus on the issues of terrorism and insecurity as well as unity among the nations concerning regional issues, President Rouhani said.

SS