Iranian ambassador to Armenia Mohammad Koleini praised today the friendly relations between his country and Armenia and reaffirmed his government\'s commitment to seek further close contacts with the neighboring country. The ambassador made today the opening remarks at a conference in the Armenian capital, dedicated to the founder of the Islamic Republic of Iran Khomeini. Speaking to reporters afterwards the ambassador said prospects for Armenian-Iranian cooperation would become more specified after the formation of a new Armenian government following the May 25 elections to parliament. The ambassador cited trade growth between the two countries in 2002 adding that trade partnership is now more organized than it used to be. \"Armenia-Iran cooperation is of special importance as it builds a new filed for fostering relations with the European Union. This process would also have a positive impact on the overall situation in the Southern Caucasus,\" he said. Mohammad Koleini also said the growing amount of Russian investments in Armenia create fresh opportunities for Iran-Armenia-Russia trilateral cooperation. Armenian President Robert Kocharian\'s visit to Iran last December helped create a favorable bilateral atmosphere, paving the way for substantive cooperation, including construction of Iran-Armenia gas pipeline, the Kajaran tunnel in southern Armenia, which would greatly enhance cargo turnover and a hydro power station on the border River of Arax. The Yerevan-Tehran partnership is supported also by the European Union, which seeks an early closure of Armenian Soviet-ear nuclear power plant and replacing it with alternative energy production sources. (ArmenPress)