SAEDNEWS: Iranian and Armenian officials held high-level talks emphasizing historical friendship, regional peace, and cooperation, with Iran underscoring that regional security should be determined by neighboring countries alone.
The Supreme Leader’s Advisor on International Affairs met with Vahan Ghustanyan, Deputy Foreign Minister and Coordinator of Bilateral Relations with Iran, at Ghustanyan’s request for discussions.
According to Saed News citing ISNA, at the start of the meeting, Ghustanyan provided an update on recent regional developments and talks in Washington, emphasizing the importance of maintaining historical ties and good neighborly relations between the two countries. He stated: “We are deeply committed to friendly relations with Iran and value these historical bonds.”
Ali Akbar Velayati welcomed the expansion of cooperation, stating: “The Islamic Republic of Iran has always sought peace and lasting security among its neighbors and emphasizes maintaining calm between Azerbaijan and Armenia more than any other country. Iran was the first nation to act for peace between the two countries after the collapse of the Soviet Union and the independence of regional states. During my tenure at the Foreign Ministry, I dedicated all efforts to this cause.”
He further highlighted Iran’s practical actions for peace: “We have even made sacrifices, including the martyrdom of several Iranian diplomats’ families who lost their lives in a missile strike on a plane during the Karabakh war. This record demonstrates Iran’s serious determination to establish peace.”
Velayati also outlined the principles of Iran’s foreign policy, emphasizing that the region’s destiny must be determined solely by regional countries.
He added: “The role of extra-regional powers, whose hostility toward us is evident and whose presence anywhere in the world causes tension and instability, is unacceptable to us. We closely monitor any developments near our borders and will respond appropriately to any action that threatens our national security.”
At the conclusion, Armenia’s Deputy Foreign Minister assured: “We affirm that Iran-Armenia friendship will remain strong, and we will not allow any harm to this relationship. In future programs, we will give special attention to the views and considerations of the Islamic Republic of Iran expressed today.”
Both sides emphasized the continuation of dialogue and bilateral cooperation within the framework of mutual interests and regional stability.
