YEREVAN, January 27. /ARKA/. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif discussed today in Yerevan ways to deepen bilateral relations, the Armenian government press office said.
“Of course, the current situation in the region will be one of the important topics of our discussions. I believe that stability, peace and sustainable development in the region are in the sphere of our common interests,” Pashinyan was quoted as saying before the discussion . He added that relations between the two countries are based on traditional friendship.
Zarif for his part noted that Armenia is a good neighbor of Iran, with which it enjoys very warm relations.
“We have common regional problems. From the very first day of the conflict (in Nagorno-Karabakh), we have been in constant contact with you and other countries of the region, and we want to maintain this connection. We have opportunities for cooperation both bilaterally and multilaterally, and it would be good to discuss these issues together today,” Zarif said.
Iranian foreign minister said that Iran’s position on the conflict is to respect international law, protect peoples and minorities, as well as preserve territorial integrity and adhere to non-use of force.
“Of course, you also know the statement of our spiritual leader, which is to protect the security of Iranian Armenians, as well as to ensure their dignified life. You also know that we in Iran are always ready to serve our Armenian country fellows; we have very good and warm relations with them,” Zarif said.
Pashinyan and Zarif exchanged views on the situation and developments in the region after the war in Nagorno-Karabakh, emphasizing stability in the region and working in this direction in the spirit of constructivism.
Pashinyan stressed that, given the regional situation, there are both challenges and opportunities, and only joint constructive efforts can help establish a lasting peace and stability in the region.
The head of government noted that many issues remain unresolved, including the issue of the status of Nagorno-Karabakh, and Armenia is ready to continue negotiations within the framework of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairmanship.
The two men exchanged also views on humanitarian issues. Pashinyan stressed that the return of Armenian prisoners of war held in Azerbaijan remains a top priority, and the vision of the Armenian side is that the 8th paragraph of the November 10 statement should be fulfilled without preconditions.
Zarif noted that Iran understands the concern of Armenia and is ready to contribute to humanitarian efforts.
The Armenian Prime Minister and Iranian Foreign Minister also touched upon the agenda of bilateral relations and prospects for the development of economic cooperation. The interlocutors attached importance to unblocking and resuming the work of transport and economic communications in the region, which will contribute to an increase in the implementation of the existing economic potential.