Nizomiddin Zohidi called for Iran to train human resources and share its experience in upstream and downstream sectors of the oil industry.

The ambassador, who attended a joint meeting between managers of Iran’s Research Institute of Petroleum Industry (RIPI) and the Ministry of Petroleum’s International Affairs Department and ambassadors of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), said the Iranian people are proud of great progress made in their oil industry.

Iran has turned all threats into opportunities while its oil industry has fought brutal Western sanctions for more than 40 years, praised the diplomat.

Iran-Armenia cooperation

Armenia’s Commercial Attaché Vardan Kostanyan, who was also present in the meeting, pointed to his country’s favorable cooperation with Iran in barter of energy and electricity.

He also referred to the extension of the contract on exports of Iran’s gas to Armenia and added, “Iranian traders are the leading suppliers of petrochemical products to Armenia.”

According to Kostanyan, an Iranian trade center will be set up in Armenia in the near future, of which 2,000 square meters will supply petrochemicals.

The attaché said Armenia is eager to use the expertise of Iranian companies and contractors to construct an oil refinery.

At present, Iran supplies 90 percent of bitumen Armenia needs, said the attaché, adding it could be even more.