Iran and Armenia Forge Ahead on New Trade and Transit Corridors

A high-level working session between Iran’s Deputy Minister of Roads and Urban Development and Chairman of the Road Maintenance and Transportation Organization and the Deputy Minister of Economy of the Republic of Armenia was held yesterday at the Armenian Ministry of Economy in Yerevan. The talks focused on facilitating bilateral trade and transit and on reducing impediments to international road transport between the two countries.

According to the RMTO, the Iranian delegation underscored the strategic significance of Iran’s position along the North-South and East-West international corridors, calling for the full activation of both sides’ transit and logistics capacities.

“The Islamic Republic of Iran, as one of the primary transit routes in the region, has always welcomed the expansion of transport cooperation with its neighbors. Given its unique geographical location and deep cultural and historical ties, Armenia is a key partner along these corridors,” stated Reza Akbari.

The Armenian Deputy Minister of Economy, expressing gratitude for the active participation of the Iranian delegation and the support of the Iranian ambassador and diplomatic delegatuon, affirmed that his country is determined to eliminate road transport barriers and reduce transit costs. “We are seeking mechanisms to streamline and make more cost-effective the movement of road fleets between our two countries. Adjustment of border fees and harmonization of customs procedures are among our top priorities,” he said. He added that the presence of senior customs and transit officials from both sides at the meeting signals a serious commitment to implementing agreements.

Discussions centered on five operational pillars, with active contributions from members of both the Iranian and Armenian delegations:

*Reduction of border fees:* Both parties agreed to establish a joint working group, under the direct supervision of customs directors, to review the cost structure for crossing shared borders and to plan for gradual reductions.

- *Expansion of truck and cargo fleet traffic:* Beyond increasing travel quotas, the plan includes launching smart systems for scheduling crossing times and monitoring border traffic to eliminate long queues.

- *Activation of transit and logistics capacities:* The sides emphasized full utilization of logistics terminals on both sides of the border and the creation of joint centers in partnership with the private sector.

- *Development of border-crossing infrastructure and access routes:* Priorities for the joint commission include improving roads leading to common border crossings and exploring the construction of a new bridge at the zero-point border.

- *Reduction of international transport obstacles:* Both sides welcomed the elimination of redundant administrative procedures, standardization of transit permit documents, and coordination in implementing international transport conventions.

At the conclusion of the meeting, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to transforming into regional transit hubs and maximizing the use of connectivity corridors linking Asia and Europe. It was agreed that the next session would be convened as soon as possible to finalize the operational details of the accords.

The Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Armenia, welcoming the positive atmosphere of the negotiations, pledged full support for the implementation of these agreements within the framework of economic diplomacy. The Deputy Ambassador of Iran to Armenia, along with the Iranian diplomatic delegation, the Director General of the Transit Office of the Islamic Republic of Iran Customs Administration, the Director General of the Commercialization Office, and the Director General of the Transit Office of the Road Maintenance and Transportation Organization, together with their Armenian counterparts, attended the meeting.