SAEDNEWS: Iran’s First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref met Armenian President Vahagn Khachaturyan on the sidelines of a UN conference, calling for closer bilateral ties in trade, technology, infrastructure, and regional peace. Both sides condemned Israel's recent attacks and highlighted deepening cooperation.
According to the political desk of Saed News, quoting the official website of the First Vice President, Dr. Mohammad Reza Aref met with Armenian President Vahagn Khachaturyan this afternoon, Monday local time, on the sidelines of the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries.
During the meeting, Aref stated that in recent years, deep historical and cultural ties have contributed to dynamic and growing relations between the two countries in various political, economic, and cultural fields. He added that the level of consultations between the two countries' officials is satisfactory, and Iran welcomes continued dialogue.
Referring to his past visit to Armenia and participation in the Eurasian Economic Union Summit and bilateral consultations, the First Vice President emphasized: “We have initiated valuable agreements and actions in the interest of both countries in various fields including transport, energy, infrastructure, trade, agriculture, science and technology, education, culture, and people-to-people connections that must be deepened step by step.”
He pointed to the increase in trade volume between the two countries and stated: “With the implementation of the Free Trade Agreement between Iran and the Eurasian Economic Union, we can further increase trade exchanges.”
Highlighting the achievements of Iranian scientists and knowledge-based companies in modern technologies—particularly artificial intelligence—he said: “Iranian companies, with their high expertise and experience, as well as the advantage of geographical proximity, can play a significant role in Armenia’s infrastructure projects in areas such as transport, dam and school construction, and residential townships. Iran, being the fifth-ranked country globally in dam construction, possesses high capabilities that can be utilized in Armenia’s dam projects.”
Welcoming peace talks in the region and among neighboring countries, Aref stated: “We support the establishment of lasting peace and stability in the region and among neighboring nations. We believe peace is in the interest of all regional countries and that regional issues must be resolved without the interference of external powers.”
He added: “The Islamic Republic of Iran's fundamental policy is to support the membership of friendly countries in regional organizations, and Iran supports Armenia’s membership in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.”
The First Vice President also thanked the Armenian government and people for expressing solidarity during the Israeli regime’s attack on the Islamic Republic of Iran, saying: “This attack occurred amid indirect negotiations between Iran and the United States, revealing the true nature of the usurping Zionist regime. The U.S. also attacked Iran’s peaceful nuclear facilities in violation of all international obligations.”
He added: “We are confident that President Pezeshkian’s upcoming visit to Armenia will lead to the expansion and deepening of bilateral relations and open a new chapter in the ties between the two countries.”
President of Armenia, Vahagn Khachaturyan, also emphasized the deep historical ties between the peoples and governments of Iran and Armenia. He noted that a new phase in bilateral relations began after Armenia’s independence and that these relations have progressed in all areas in recent years.
Referring to the effective presence of Iranian companies in Armenia, he said: “Iranian scientists are well-known in modern technologies and have demonstrated their capabilities in various international exhibitions and conferences.”
The Armenian President also condemned the Zionist regime's attack on Iran, adding: “All conflicts must be resolved through peaceful, wise, and diplomatic means. Those who start wars are always in the wrong.”
He stressed the need to expand cooperation between the two countries and noted: “Surveys conducted in recent years show that the Armenian people have a special regard for Iran. We eagerly await President Pezeshkian’s visit to Armenia, which will be a golden opportunity to comprehensively strengthen bilateral ties.”
