Today, the RA Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan received the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran Mohammad Javad Zarif.
Welcoming the Iranian Foreign Minister, the RA Prime Minister noted. "Dear Mr. Minister, dear colleagues, I welcome you. Today we have very important issues to discuss - the development and deepening of our bilateral relations, including the issues of our cooperation on various platforms. Of course, the current situation in the region will be one of the important topics of our discussions. I think the stability, peace and sustainable development of the region are in our common interests. Of course, the relations between our countries are based on traditional friendship, and we are always happy to receive Iranian representatives in our country".
The Iranian Foreign Minister said in turn. "Dear Prime Minister, I thank you for giving me and my colleagues the opportunity to meet with you. I have to convey Mr. Rouhani's warm greetings to you, he wished you good health and success. Armenia is a good neighbor of the Islamic Republic of Iran, and we have very warm relations with the Republic of Armenia. Personally, you are highly respected in Iran for your courage in taking this step towards peace.
We share common regional concerns with you. From the very first day of that conflict, we have always been in touch with you and other countries in the region, and we want to maintain that connection with prospects for cooperation. We have opportunities to cooperate both bilaterally and multilaterally, and it would be good to have discussions on these issues together today.
Of course, you know the position of the Islamic Republic of Iran on the crisis. it is the observance of international law, the preservation of peoples, the preservation of minorities, as well as the preservation of territorial integrity and the non-use of force. Of course, you are also aware of the assertion of our caring leader - it is about the preservation of the security of the Armenians, as well as the provision of their dignified life. You also know that we host our Armenian compatriots in Iran and are always ready to serve them, we have very good and warm relations with them. Let me thank you once again for your warm welcome, as well as for giving me this opportunity to meet”,
The Prime Minister of Armenia and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Iran exchanged views on the situation and developments in the region after the Artsakh war. Both sides stressed the importance of working in the spirit of ensuring regional stability and constructive cooperation in that direction. Nikol Pashinyan stressed that due to the regional situation, there are both challenges and opportunities, and only through joint constructive efforts, an appropriate environment will be possible to establish stability and lasting peace in the region. The Prime Minister noted that many issues remain unresolved, including the status of Nagorno Karabakh, and Armenia is ready to continue negotiations within the framework of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs.
The interlocutors also exchanged views on humanitarian issues. The Prime Minister Pashinyan stressed that the return of prisoners of war remains an important priority, and the perception of the Armenian side is that the 8th point of the November 10 statement should be fulfilled without preconditions. Mr. Zarif noted that Iran understands Armenia's concerns and is ready to support humanitarian efforts.
Nikol Pashinyan and Mohammad Javad Zarif also touched upon the agenda of bilateral relations and the prospects for the development of economic cooperation. The interlocutors stressed the importance of unblocking and reopening the transport and economic communication routes in the region, which will increase the realization of the existing economic potential. Prime Minister Pashinyan asked to convey his greetings to Iranian President Hassan Rouhani and Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Ali Hosseini Khamenei, noting that he warmly remembers the contacts with them.
