Tasnim � The Armenian ambassador to Iran hailed the growing relations between Tehran and Yerevan and said his country regards efforts to boost ties with the Islamic Republic as a foreign policy priority.

Speaking to the Tasnim News Agency, Artashes Tumanyan said for nearly 27 years, Armenia, as an independent state, has had bilateral ties with the Islamic Republic of Iran.

In recent years, the diplomat stated, political, economic and cultural relations between the two countries have developed satisfactorily.

He further emphasized that the relationship with Iran is a top priority and has �a special place� in the foreign policy of Armenia.

The envoy went on to say that the close ties are stable and would not be affected by the will of a third country.

In recent years, Tehran and Yerevan have ramped up efforts to promote bilateral relations in all political and economic spheres.

Back in October, Armenian Prime Minister Karen Karapetyan paid an official visit to Iran at the invitation of Iranian First Vice-President Eshaq Jahangiri.

In a meeting with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani in Tehran on October 10, the Armenian premier expressed his country�s willingness to broaden ties with Iran and said the two neighbors could boost economic relations by tapping into free trade zones in the border areas.