Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan today received Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran Mohammad Javad Zarif. Welcoming the Iranian Foreign Minister, the Prime Minister said: “Dear Mr. Minister, dear colleagues, I welcome you. We have many important issues to discuss today: the development and deepening of our bilateral relations, including issues of cooperation on various platforms. Of course, the current situation in the region will be one of the most important topics of our discussions. I believe that stability, peace and sustainable development in the region are in our common interests. Indeed, our bilateral relations are underpinned by traditional friendship. We are always pleased to host Iran’s representatives in our country and in our government.”

Iran’s Foreign Minister noted: “Dear Mr. Prime Minister, thank you for giving me and my colleagues the opportunity to meet with you. I have to convey President Rouhani’s cordial greetings to you. He wished you good health and every success. Armenia is a good neighbor of the Islamic Republic of Iran; we have very warm relations with the Republic of Armenia. Personally, you are highly respected in Iran for the courage you showed to achieve peace.

We share common regional concerns with you. From the very first day of that conflict, we were in close touch with you and other countries in the region. We want to maintain that channel and the prospects for cooperation. We have opportunities to cooperate both bilaterally and multilaterally. It would be nice to discuss these issues together today.

You may know the position of the Islamic Republic of Iran on the crisis. It is the respect of international law, the preservation of peoples, the preservation of minorities, as well as the observance of territorial integrity and the non-use of force. Of course, you are aware of the statement issued by our spiritual leader, namely to protect the security of the Armenians, as well as to ensure their dignified life.

You know that we host fellow countrymen of Armenian descent in Iran; we are always ready to serve them, we maintain very good and cordial relations with them. Let me thank you once again for your warm welcome, as well as for giving me the opportunity to meet with you.”

The Armenian Premier and the Iranian Foreign Minister exchanged views on the regional situation and developments in the wake of the Artsakh War. Both sides stressed the need to ensure regional stability and constructive cooperation in this area. Nikol Pashinyan stressed that the current situation in the region implies both “challenges and opportunities.” He underscored that “lasting” peace in the region can only be achieved through joint constructive efforts and an appropriate environment.

The Prime Minister noted that many issues remain unresolved, including the status of Nagorno-Karabakh, and that Armenia is prepared to continue negotiations in the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairing format.

The interlocutors exchanged views on humanitarian issues. Prime Minister Pashinyan stressed that the repatriation of POWs remains a top priority, and the Armenian side understands that Clause 8 of the November 10 statement should be fulfilled without preconditions.

Mr. Zarif noted that Iran understands Armenia’s concerns and is ready to back our country’s humanitarian efforts. Nikol Pashinyan and Mohammad Javad Zarif next referred to the agenda of bilateral relations and the prospects for the development of economic cooperation.

The interlocutors prioritized the unblocking and re-commissioning of the transport and economic communication routes in the region, which will help tap the existing economic potential. Issues related to both current and potential projects were discussed during the meeting. The parties reaffirmed their readiness to continue the ongoing mutually beneficial cooperation.

In conclusion, Prime Minister Pashinyan asked the Foreign Minister to convey his greetings to Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani, Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei. Nikol Pashinyan said he has kept fond recollections of his contacts with them.