Georgia not prepared for Iranian gas transit via Armenia – Armenia’s vice-premier

Armenia’s Vice-Premier, Minister of International Economic Integration and Reforms Vache Gabrielyan, at a meeting with reporters on Tuesday, spoke of Armenian-Iranian relations and Armenia’s role in Iran’s relations with the Eurasian Economic Union (EEU).

According to him, the EEU has made an in-depth analysis of its relations with Iran, which is the basis for the negotiating process. Armenia’s major advantage is a common border with Iran and more frequent business contacts, which means Iranian partners have a good idea of the Armenian market and vice versa.

Asked about increase of Iranian gas imports to Armenia, Mr Gabrielyan said that it is consistent work.

“This is a problem of the rate of flow. We are now constructing a pipeline with Iran, and gas supplies can only be essentially increased after the construction has been completed. A present, we are faced with certain restrictions,” Mr Gabrielyan said.

As to the piping of Iranian gas to Armenia through Georgia, the vice-premier said that Georgia is not yet prepared for that.

“It is not only our problem. Georgia enjoys higher discounts by other producers. So the problem remains on the agenda. I do no rule it out, but it does not essentially depend on Armenia. We are ready.”