The Governor of the Eastern Azerbaijan province of the Islamic Republic of Iran was on a working visit to Armenia from October 20 through 24.

Minister Oskanian received Mohammad Ali Sobhanollah on October 21. During the meeting the two stressed that Armenia-Iran relations are not just beneficial for the two countries and their peoples, but is also good for the whole region. In this context, they agreed that deeper and broader relations between Armenia and the border province of Eastern Azerbaijan is particularly useful and necessary.

They acknowledged that there are agreements in place which facilitate cooperation between Armenia's and Iran's regions and expressed the hope that steps would be taken to implement those agreements. Those documents cover cultural programs, cooperation in the tourism sector, in agriculture, and strengthening cross-border trade particularly in the Meghri-Norduz border market.

In the context of increased economic cooperation, Minister Oskanian stressed the importance of constructing the Iran-Armenia gas pipeline as well as the hydroelectric power station on the Arax River and the Kacharan Tunnel. The Minister explained that this would have regional economic significance and would contribute to regional stability.

The large Iranian delegation included high-level officials from the province of Eastern Azerbaijan.